The Greatest of Them All

by Kazama Yokaze

Peter was tired of being the universe's punching bag. Couldn't the poor guy catch a break? After the events of Kindred, a nice calming patrol seems like a great idea. Nothing could go wrong so soon after right? Norman is reformed, Kingpin as far as he knows is keeping his hands clean. No super world ending events on the horizon...a patrol sounds nice. After all what could go wrong?

9. Fire and A New Alliance

IT'S HERE! In all seriousness, I apologize for the wait. I hope the chapter length makes up for it xD 'Nother big one! 23k words! Enjoy!

And also, Beta'd by my friend. LastRonin

Also, I will be making some small edits to previous chapters so don't think I'm updating multiple times today xD

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Parker Home (Peter's Room) - Peter Parker

'Can you state that for me…one more time?'

Madame Web sighed, 'I said the Sorcerer Supreme will call you to represent Earth and Death in a battle taking place years before the current year. To prevent Dormammu from breaking down the barrier between his dimension and the One Below All.''

'Dammit. Do you have any idea of when Strange will be calling me then? Do I have time to prepare?'

She sighed again, 'I cannot say exactly when, but I know it's sometime tomorrow.'

Peter's shoulders slumped. While he wanted to ask how this even came to be, he doubted Madame Web knew the cause. 'So not a lot of time understanding my luck...Do you know who I'll be fighting? I don't know how much help I'll be if it's Dormammu. I'm not like Strange and can go against gods.'

'I do not know his name, but from my visions, I can see that he wears a golden helmet and is a zealot for Dormammu.'

'Yeah, that's not ringing any bells for me either…Um, anything else I'll need to know?'

Her voice went silent for a moment.

Peter was unsure if she was debating telling him anything else or if she was trying to see anything else in her visions.

'No. That is all I can tell you with certainty. Anything else would be guessing from the numerous ways it can end. I can say that depending on the outcome, there is one way to save both their lives.'

'Wait, what? What do you mean their as in plural?'

'...I've said too much, and I don't want to affect your choices further. Do you understand my initial message?' She said, ignoring his question.

'...Yeah. I do, and I'll try not to let what you also said affect my…choices. Whatever they may be.'

'Thank you. I hope to speak with you again for all our sakes. With that, I'll leave you be. Good luck.'

Peter felt Madame Web's presence leave his mind.

He paused for a moment, mind racing. 'Crap crap crap crap.' He robotically finished storing his backpack before moving back to spend time with his family.

'Crap crap crap cra–'

"–ter? Peter? Hellooooo?" His dad asked him, attempting to gain his attention.

Peter shook his head, "Sorry, what was that, dad?"

"I was asking what's going on. What's with the spacing out?" Richard asked.

"Oh, uh, was stumped about my holographic tech for augmented reality. I'm hitting a lot of these small roadblocks that take up the time I wanted to be for other projects." Peter lied. His mind thinking of the easiest excuse for once.

His father, though, pursed his lips. 'Can he tell that I'm lying? Well, it's not really a lie, more like evading the true reason.'

"If you say so, just..." Richard reached over to squeeze Peter's shoulder. "I'm here if you wanna talk. You know that, right?"

Peter smiled, reaching to give his father a hug and pat on the back. "Of course, dad. Just…my mind going off on its own tangents. I'm sorry if I worried you." 'God, I can only imagine how they would respond if I really did tell them what was going on.'

That would go over well, he thought to himself with a snort. 'Hey, dad! I'm going to be called to fight for our universe, and if I lose, we'll get taken over by a new overlord, and if we win, we'll – Wait.' Peter thought over Dormammu's reasoning for weakening the Below Place barrier.

'What is stopping him from just destroying the barrier if he loses? Is he going to make a pact with us or something? I'd imagine that he's threatening the barrier anyways as an ultimatum for Earth to capitulate to his ownership….' The hero shook his head. He'd just ask Strange when the time came. It was doing him no good to try and understand a foe's reasoning. 'Especially when they are of the megalomania variety.'

The father and son then moved to join their family, watching a movie on the couch.

Peter was intent on spending his remaining time with his family and friends. He wasn't so pessimistic that he thought it would be their final moments together, but…. 'It's hard not to view it through that lens when it's riding on me against someone I'd guess Strange goes up against.'

He relaxed, resting against the cushions, Teresa moving to sit between him and his dad, his mom near the T.V. to select a movie for the DVD player.

"What movie do you wanna watch, Peter?" Mary asked.

"Oh, some action flick if you don't mind. Maybe Star Wars?" He said he loved those movies and never understood the rumor that he hated the series. Completely baseless.

Rolling her eyes but acquiescing to her son's choice, she selected the movie that started it all before moving to sit next to her son.

While sandwiched between his family, Peter relaxed. World-ending threats are not in his mind. The iconic blare of Star Wars' opening theme seemed perfect as a backdrop. He was happy.

---

The Next Day - Parker Industries

Working feverishly now that he had nothing to distract him, the young man worked harder than he probably would if he didn't know that he would soon be called to fight a World Ending threat.

'I have no idea what I'll be going up against, and I need to try and see if there's anything I can add last minute to my equipment. Different tracers are probably the best I can do right now. So just fit the different chemical components into capsules for the gauntlets….'

So concerned with working on his gauntlets, Peter almost didn't hear the sound of his phone going off. Blinking at first due to not knowing what the noise meant, he looked around before his spider kept moving a leg in the phone's direction.

Staring, he saw that it was his dad calling, but then he snapped back to stare at the spider staring back at him. 'Why does it look like it's pleased with itself? Can spiders even do that?'

Unnerved, he answered the call deciding to be more carefree since it was his father. "Yellow, world's greatest son answering."

There was silence from his father until, "...This is the world's best father calling to let you know that the world's most amaz- no, that's too wordy. Your Aunt and Uncle are open to having a family get-together the day after tomorrow, and MJ and Anna are also invited. Is there anyone else you want to include?" Richard asked, amused.

Peter paused, thinking it over. 'I did say I want it to be a family outing….' He thought over all the people he considered in his circle as his family and paled. 'God, that's already a lot of people.' Shaking his head, he responded, "No, don't want to overwhelm Aunt May and Uncle Ben, especially for something last minute. I would invite, like, the Storms, but we can plan something that big another time."

Richard hummed, "You are right about that. Oh well, we can bring it up to them another time then. By the way, your mother and I were wondering about SHIELD hovering around you, and you never brought it up again and based on your outing with Fury, can we take it that you are fine with them now?"

As his gauntlets stored the new components, the satisfying hiss as the compartment closed caused Peter to grin. "Yup. Decided to trust both you and Mom, plus until I made that tool, I never even noticed them. I thought I might as well continue this way until I become an adult."

The relief in Richard's voice was clear even to Peter over the phone, "Great. I'll let your mother know. Love you, bye."

"Love you too, Dad," Peter said, ending the call. He sighed, finished with his work for now.

'Is there anything else I can do for the suit now?' Once again, he cursed the lack of nanotechnology available to him. It's not like he can't make do with what he's almost always run on. That being spandex and his mechanical web-shooters, but even his upgrades now, which were monumental for the time, felt like they would come up short against a being that had magic.

'If only I had magic myself. Or even powers like Sentry, Alph–'He cut himself off. That would be too dangerous…right? 'Even Reed said humanity wasn't ready to have Parker Particles discovered….' A dark resentful thought entered his mind. 'Reed also said he would prevent other incursions from occurring. Look how that turned out. Plus, Stone was the one the fault lay with for my presentation causing risks.'

He tightened his fists. The memory of his reputation as Peter Parker tanking in the science community due to that entered his mind. 'That was almost as bad as losing my credibility due to Otto's thesis for the doctorate he earned while in my body was.'

After a moment, he sighed, relaxing his fists. He was obviously not over both events, 'Also, my hero worship of Reed is cracked...' He rubbed his face in frustration. He wanted to use Parker particles again but was hesitant due to Reed's words.

He didn't know how long he stayed in that position mulling over the thought, but he eventually decided to build stop-gap measures if anyone ever became empowered like Alpha. 'Don't have Terminus' staff to power and base the machine off of, but I remember the schematics and science behind how to nullify his powers. I'm positive I can create an acceptable alternative. I'll create that first; I won't be creating another super-powered being capable of ending the universe if left unchecked.'

Now done for the day and changed into his suit, Peter leaped from the building. Made sure to wave at Natasha 'Isn't it Val's day today?', who surprisingly waved back, if lazily, with a smirk and started his patrol, the spy shortly following.

He was happy that he made a decision that would also help propel Parker Industries forward enough for him to purchase material to make nano-technology. 'Plus, it will finally showcase that Parker Particles will be a way for clean almost unlimited energy like I planned.'

If he were asked why he wasn't planning to actually give himself powers like Alpha, the answer would be simple. The energy he'd attain would eventually be too great to handle. That wasn't to say he'd not be using Parker Particles to help him as Spider-Man. 'Maybe use them as the energy source for my suit? Wait, but the –' A telepathic presence entering his mind -He was getting better at noticing the signs- caused him to cut himself off.

'Peter Parker. Are you able to hear me?.' An elderly voice greeted him, causing Peter to land on the nearest rooftop.

'Um, yes, you've reached him. Can I ask who I'm speaking to?' Peter asked cautiously.

'I am the current Sorcerer Supreme. You may call me Yao, young man.' The man responded.

Peter jolted, catching the eye of Black Widow as she landed to see what the hold-up was.

Spider-Man shook his head at her, motioning her to be quiet and wait before responding. 'I was under the impression that Stephen Strange was the Sorcerer Supreme….'

His thoughts sent, the man named Yao interjected, 'Stephen is my apprentice, and while I plan on having him eventually fill my shoes, he still has much to learn and room to grow in power. Now, The Mistress Death informed me of your own situation and responsibilities as her Champion and your goal. I have also been told that you should already be aware of situations regarding your goal. Is this true?'

Peter slumped, causing Natasha to raise her eyebrow and ask, "What's wrong?"

He shook his head and tapped his head, and while he got a confused look in return, she was willing to wait.

'Yup, Something about Dormammu breaking down the barrier between his dimension and the Below Place. Right?'

'You are correct. I won't get into the specifics here. Since you are from the future, can I guess you know where the Sanctum Sanctorum is and head there to meet with Stephen? I can then speak to you both and relay what I know and what we can plan to solve this crisis.'

The young man made to affirm he would do so before glancing at the patient woman waiting next to him. He was mulling over what to relay to her before deciding to include her as she seemed to be the same Natasha so far, that is to say, a hero he could trust.

'Sure. Do you mind if I bring a guest?' Peter thought sheepishly.

The elderly man paused for a second before speaking, 'I do not see why not as you must trust them a great deal to ask for them to be invited. I will notify Stephen to expect you and your guest.'

Spider-Man nodded and turned to tell Natasha a watered-down version of events before the old man cut in again.

'Also, you should know I have not informed Stephen of your previous life and your connection. I gathered it would be more appropriate for that conversation to be handled yourself if you wish.'

Peter nodded mutely before remembering the man could not see him and responded, 'Got it. One world-changing conversation coming up.'

He heard the elderly man chortle before the familiar presence of a telepath leaving his mind passed.

Turning to Natasha, he rubbed the back of his head. "So Nat, you wanna meet a real-life wizard?"

Confused, as was to be expected, she asked him, "And what pray tell brought this offer on?"

Laughing nervously, he continued, "So, I don't want to alarm you, but I need to save the world from a mystical force." Seeing her unbelieving face, he continued, "The wizard in question could explain it better than I could. But don't really wanna stand here talking when I can be doing something, you coming?"

Black Widow sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, "The modern world is way more complicated than I had to deal with before."

"Um, actually, I think I'm going to have to do some time travel for this issue...in the past…." Peter interjected.

The spy looked at him deadpan. "I stand corrected." With another sigh, she gave him a nod. "Let's move on then. Lead the way."

Peter gave a cheesy thumbs up in reply before snapping his head back at her. "Wait, I just realized what you said. Didn't your time include a World War? And you were pretty active, from what I remember. So like…."

With a baleful look, Natasha responded, "I meant what I said."

"Meep. Sure shutting up now…." Spider-Man said as he leaped in the direction of the Sanctum Sanctorum.

---

Sanctum Sanctorum - Peter Parker

The building was in the exact location as before, thankfully. So Peter wasn't going to look like an idiot in front of the Wizards by being late. 'Or are they technically Warlocks?… Sorcerers? What with their leader being titled as such…Stephen did say every type of magic practitioner was technically different. Like him and Wanda.' He shook his head. He was getting nervous and trying to distract himself.

Spider-Man glanced at Black Widow, who looked as unflappable as she usually did. 'Gotta try and emulate her. First impressions and all that.'

Landing down the steps and ignoring the few pedestrians gawking at them, Peter made his way to the entrance and knocked on the wooden double doors.

A sturdy bald man of Asian descent answered the door and, other than a slightly raised eyebrow, made no expression. "Death's Champion and his companion, I presume?" He asked dryly. At seeing Spider-Man nod, he moved to let them in. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Wong. Follow me, please. The Sorcerer Supreme and Dr. Strange are waiting in his study."

The two of them followed Wong as they moved up the stairs; Peter noticed that Natasha's eyes were flitting around as they walked without moving her head, causing him to laugh internally. 'If she's trying to map out the house, wait till she learns that it moves on its own. Oh! I think she's just realizing that the house seems to have more room inside than out.'

The spy turned her head slightly and raised an eyebrow in concern towards him. He shook his head before motioning to calm down. She huffed but nodded. Deciding to stop trying to map out the building.

Arriving at the study, Wong opened the door and motioned for them to come in, announcing. "Masters, I have brought Death's Champion and his guest." Peter saw as two older-looking men stopped conversing to watch him and Natasha enter the room.

"Ah, Thank you, Wong. You do your father proud." The eldest-looking man in the room, wearing a mix of purple and black, praised.

The other man in the room, garbed in blue, nodded in agreement before greeting the young man and spy. "Greetings. My name is Dr. Stephen Strange, and my master here is the Ancient One. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Champion of Death and your companion." He finished with a slight bow.

Peter flustered at the simple respect given from someone he could honestly say he looked up to and was once again thankful for the helmet. He reciprocated the slight bow, noticing Natasha copying him. "Thank you for having us, and please call me Spider-Man and my companion Black Widow. So, what's the situation, and how can I help?"

Face turning grim, Strange turned to his master, waiting for him to answer.

Seeing all eyes on him, Yao began. "Spider-Man, I was given a threat disguised as a message that the Dark Dimension ruler, Dormammu, has willingly broken down the barrier of the Below Place, and his own to almost nill. He then demanded that Earth capitulate to his rule, or we would face mutual destruction. As he will leave an open portal to Earth."

Pausing to mull over his words, he continued. "As such, I tasked Stephen with secretly entering the Dark Dimension to strengthen the barrier as best he could before taking on what should have been a weakened Dormammu." He paused again, his features turning to stone. "Unfortunately, it was not a barrier that Stephen found. Instead, Stephen found a portal constructed to send a being thousands of years into the past. His messenger waiting at said construct relayed that I must go before him in the past and submit or else he'll break the barrier."

Sighing, Yao continued, "I cannot fathom why exactly he decided to do this, but he is one of the few beings who can utilize true time travel, and thus any changes he plans on making will be completed. In this case, if he decides to open the barrier in the past, there is likely little we can do to stop it as it will be done before we can muster enough force to defeat him and strengthen the barrier." He then pointedly looked at Peter.

"That is until I remembered, fortunately, about a man tasked by Death herself to prevent scenarios such as these. Now I understand you don't know any magic" Stephen's eyes widened at hearing that but did not voice anything. "But your mistress has praised and shown me visions that you are familiar with handling magic practitioners just as well as Stephen is, albeit in your own way."

That actually got even Natasha to look at him in amazement, causing Stephen to raise an eyebrow his way. 'Way to sell that we're a team there, Tasha.' Peter thought with a sigh. He coughed. "Yeah, I guess you could say that. Though they usually aren't rulers of dimensions. I'd say she oversold my skillset for magic-related problems. You haven't really said how I can help, so…" He trailed off.

Yao nodded, "I was getting to that young man. Though at this point, I think even you being able to handle an apprentice-level magician should be good enough. I did not mention it before, but Dormammu had previously placed a curse on me, preventing my movement and weakening my health and spirit." He grinned. "As you can see, I'm in perfect health for my age, and he has to be extremely weak if he cannot maintain the curse. The plan is for you to go with Stephen through the portal constructed and find a way to repair the barrier. With you helping Stephen as a conduit or as a backup in manpower. I will hold the portal Dormammu has built as if he decides to collapse it; anyone still in the past will be lost to time, in another dimension, no less. And we have no idea how far back he has gone. Now, let us begin."

The Sorcerer Supreme turned then to open the portal, and Peter stiffened. That was it? Assurance about the portal being kept open but leaving the actual specifics vague. 'That normally happens when I deal with magic in any form.' He thought with an internal sigh. 'No reason that should change now. Thank you, Universe, for showing me that not all things will change. Whatever, I'll just ask Stephen what he wants me to do once we're inside. Crossing my fingers, it's not a meatshield.'

Screaming internally but not wanting to look like a fool, Spider-Man made his way to walk through the rippling portal leading toward a weird-looking area with a constantly changing background and floor.

"Wait." Black Widow said, stopping Peter and Stephen in their tracks as everyone turned to look at her. "That's it? No sharing of abilities or knowledge of what to maybe expect? You both expect for it to just work out without sharing with each other?"

Dr. Strange looked at Peter, confused, while Peter looked sheepish beneath his helmet – Yay for helmets preventing anyone from knowing that!– responding, "Uh, yeah, I guess. I'm familiar with magic to a certain extent and have a pretty good handle on what Dr. Strange here can do. Plus, I'm sure he's already researched me –"

"Actually, other than hearing of your exploits on T.V., I never really bothered looking into you. There have been pressing matters to attend to on my end." Stephen helpfully supplied, causing Spider-Man to falter.

"...Okay, I stand corrected. Now I actually do want to come up with a plan. Really? And you call yourself a doctor." He turned to Yao. "And I thought you would have told him at least part of my abilities!"

The eldest man in the room tutted. "I'll be honest. Time is of the essence here, and I expected you and Stephen to communicate on your way to the time portal. Would either of you have done so?"

"Honestly? That's how it normally goes for situations like these."
"No, Master."

The two men responded.

Horrified, Peter backed up to stand near Natasha, rapidly motioning for Stephen to join him. "Okay, yeah, we're doing this. If you don't even know what I can do and weren't going to ask, there will be a communication issue. Come on. Get back here." He said, pointing to the ground.

Flabbergasted, Stephen looked to his master, who, after a moment, chuckled, closing the portal. "I think Stephen, our guests have a point. If Dormammu were going to end it all suddenly, he would have done so by now; that or we have more time than we think. Enough to make some plans."

Sighing, he moved to stand near his master. "Let us begin then. What can you do?"

Glancing at Black Widow through the corner of his eye, he hesitated. Was it safe for S.H.I.E.L.D to know? His enemies only learned of his Spider-Sense, arguably his most outstanding ability, due to his carelessness in announcing it in almost every battle and his enemies cottoning on. 'Honestly, everyone here should be OK to hear it, but SHIELD's been hacked many times. I'll discuss with her to not share at least that one ability.'

"To start, I have this precognition ability I call my Spider-Sense." At seeing the confused looks, he was receiving, he chuckled. "You see, it works like this…."

---

The Dark Dimension

Peter was in awe as he walked with Stephen toward the glowing white portal he was told led to somewhere and time in the past. The ground was an everchanging transparent mass of shapes, their feet always seeming to land on a solid piece. While in the air, shapes only thought up in his theoretical physics and math classes appeared before fading into another shape or series of waves.

"Freaky." He whispered.

"What was that?" Dr. Strange asked. His voice tinged in concern, and his eyes narrowed in worry, looking for any enemy.

"Nothing. Just a comment on this place's appearance, and it's not as threatening as the name Dark Dimension would imply, you know?"

The middle-aged-looking man took the time to glance around once more. "It does look breathtaking. But we have a quest to complete and no time to take in the sights."

"Yeah. I know. Just commenting was all. The portal seems to be getting closer…." Peter trailed off. He was confused about how there seemed to be solid ground below where the portal was hovering above. He ignored the cloaked figure standing next to the glowing portal. He assumed they were probably hidden due to the shine, and his spider-sense wasn't humming that they were a threat.

"Dirt." The costumed hero stated.

"Yes?" Stephen asked. "Is that a problem?"

"Are you kidding me? How are you not weirding out that we are seeing something normal?"

"The Dark Dimension and others like it aren't always as concrete in ways we perceive them visually. Either because that is the natural state of being, or the rulers decide it to be so."

As though to give credence to his statement, the ground they stood on slowly turned into dirt as the cloaked figure stepped forward.

"Stephen Strange, you were told to gather Yao, Sorcerer Supreme of Earth, and send him here in your stead to submit before my lord Dormammu. Not arrive here yourself and bring…I cannot tell what you are, creature. What manner of trick are you trying to pull?" The hidden figure asked, voice clear and understandable, yet Peter couldn't tell if it was male or female.

"Hey!" Peter started in mock offense.

"No tricks." Stephen interrupted. "Dormammu's curse applied long ago to our master is still strong, and he's too weak to make the trip to this dimension and into the past. My friend and I are apprentices of Yao in separate disciplines, and my master hopes that Dormammu will be satisfied with us in his stead."

The figure hummed in reply, their foot tapping the ground in thought. "This was not accounted for. I don't…." They trailed off with a sigh.

Peter didn't know for sure, but he'd guess the figure was frustrated. Which was surprising, 'It doesn't look like they are only bothered by us not following through with their demands outright. But why?' He wanted to smack his head. 'Duh, because their own dimension is under threat as well.'

As they were still unsure of what to do, and Stephen took the polite approach of letting them gather their thoughts, Peter took it upon himself to try and speed this along. "Hey, Cloaky."

"I'm sorry?" The figure said incredulously.

"I don't know your name, so I gave you one. Cloaky. Look, I'm sure you're worried about the potential consequences of Earth not following through with your leader's demands. What with your home being in the cross-fire as well. But you do have to decide if you should let us pass or not. But we both know what will happen if you don't let us go through that portal compared to trusting us."

The figure stared before shaking their head. "I am not so gullible to believe outright that you and Stephen are here to submit before Dormammu."

Peter started sweating at those words, though he noticed Stephen came across as unflappable.

"That is my actual conundrum. My lord is unbeatable, so if you were planning on fighting him, he'd follow through once you two were felled. Not to mention, as soon as he sees you two, he might still follow through with his threat. This is not a decision of whether our dimensions will live or not. This is a decision of which way we let our worlds perish."

Stephen decided to speak up then, making Peter sigh thankfully. "My companion's words still ring true then hidden figure. We both know what will happen if no one goes through that portal. If you allow us to go through, there is a chance we can avert both of our dimensions' destruction. We don't plan on fighting Dormammu."

Seeing the figure was still hesitant, Peter stepped forward, deciding to be bolder, and placed a hand on their shoulder. "I can't exactly imagine what it's like being under a leader who is willing to take their own people hostage in a bid for power, but you seem like a person who just wants to live their own life. We on Earth want to do the same. I'm not saying there's no risk of us failing if you let us through; I'm saying that the chance of us succeeding should outway the certainty of death."

Spider-Man couldn't tell if the hooded figure was looking into his lenses, but they eventually shook their head and motioned for Stephen and him to follow through as they vanished into the white portal.

Happy, Peter gave Stephen a thumbs up and received an exasperated sigh as he stepped through.

'Must still be high-strung.' He shrugged, passing on through himself.

Walking through the portal, his vision at first was an all-encompassing white expanse, when in the blink of an eye, he was on solid ground in what looked like a ruined stone city under construction. Stephen and the mysterious figure were a few steps away, waiting for him.

"Wait long?" He joked.

"Only for a second. Unless you waited for longer than that on the other side, time is in sync, as we guessed. It is fortunate that Dormammu gave us the time he did if it is –"

Spider-Sense: Behind you.

Stephen cut himself off as well and stared in horror.

Turning around in a panic, Spider-Man prepared himself for a fight but saw that it was the portal wavering.

A short time later, the portal stabilized. Causing both Peter and Strange to sigh in relief.

"I see then. It was on purpose for Dormammu to keep it open so he may trap any who step into the past," Stephen stated, an annoyed glare on his face.

Confused, the unknown figure tilted its head, "What do you mean?"

Still annoyed, Stephen cast a side glance at the figure before motioning for them to lead them to Dormammu. "If the portal closes now, the biggest issue would be that any changes Dormammu has made so far would become a reality in our own time. One of which might be the conquering of Earth. But many other problems could occur. Beings, for instance, might not exist unless they were given a time anchor and their lineage ancestors potentially died, like we can see around us a battle happened here."

The figure's hands clenched at their side at those words. Peter thought he could make out the dimensions of some kind of belt their cloak hugged.

"I see." Was all the figure stated.

Stephen, though was not done and continued. "We are technically in a 'closed' divergent timeline until the portal closes. Once it does, the portal's magic will stitch the two timelines together with the events of the new one, superseding the one we are from. Meaning that another consequence of its closing would mean we would be unable to return to our original point in time along with our memories possibly being overwritten, instead of creating duplicates, stuck in the past."

Peter paled, "Wait, what?"

"Don't worry. There should be no issues if we're back in the present when the portal closes. At most, we'll get a small headache as the spell directs the universe to orchestrate events to come up with a reason to travel back in time while retaining the memories of both timelines. It helps that this is in another dimension within our universe, and we're unlikely to notice any changes in our lives. Simply gain a reason to go back to this point in time and perform the actions we do."

"Wouldn't that mean that the past is immutable? Wait that would mean we're just in a causal loop or even a predestination paradox." Peter said indignantly.

Dr. Strange sighed, "Normally, you would be correct. Part of this resolution is that you are sacrificing your free will for the universe to course correct for you. The memories of the previous timeline will always be present to explain this as the timeline is rewritten, though. So while it does create a loop, it has a clear point of origin and end."

Peter frowned beneath his helmet but nodded. While he understood the entirety of Stephen's explanation, it sounded a lot more convoluted than the way The One Above All sent Peter back in time. 'It was a lot neater as well, though one obvious trade-off is that it completely undid the previous timeline.' He paused. Was that not what would be happening after they were done here? 'According to Stephen, it will still be us and everyone we knew….' He looked toward the figure leading them deeper into the rubble city.

They walked almost robotically and were extremely worried based on their heartbeat. 'They have the most to potentially lose here based on changes made.'

"Hey, Cloaky," Spider-Man called out. "I don't do well with silence. Would you be willing to listen to some jokes for me as we walk?"

"Pardon me?" The figure said, stopping in confusion.

Undeterred, Peter took the opportunity to nudge them forward before walking directly to their side. "I said would you mind listening to some jokes? I'm incredibly nervous when something significant goes down, and I could use some humor to bleed the tension."

Due to the cloak, it was hard to get a read on the figure's thoughts, but they shook their head. "I'm sorry, jester. But I cannot find it in my heart to possibly laugh right now. Maybe your companion would be more engaging." They went back to staring forward at the path ahead. An outline of a still standing building becoming clearer.

Wilting Spider-Man sighed and looked to Stephen, who was giving him a glare as if to say, 'Really? Now of all times?' He shrugged in response, looking back toward the figure. "Okay, okay, you don't want to hear any jokes. Then can you tell me about your home? Learning new things is just as good a distraction, in my opinion."

The figure tilted its head, though they did not pause this time. "You want to learn about the home life of your enemy?"

Peter laughed. "Well, I never counted you among my enemies. The way I see it, both our homes are under hostage by one power-hungry tyrant. If anything, I'd say that makes us allies."

The figure shook its head. "You are an abnormal one, jester. Though I disagree that we are allies by nature of the coming conflict, I think telling you about my home would be the best course of action."

Confused, Peter made to ask what they meant, but the cloaked figure started speaking. "I suppose I should begin with our current ruler's beginnings. The defense against the Mindless Ones from our Lord Dormammu and his sister. Our previous ruler Olnar was even more of a power-hungry conqueror…."

While this was not what Peter had in mind when he asked to hear about the figure's home. He was at least satisfied that the figure seemed to gain more confidence in their words and behavior. Even if they did sound like they were trying to persuade him to join a cult.

"Cloaky," Peter couldn't tell what the figure was thinking, but based on their demeanor, he'd guess they weren't too happy.

"It's Clea." They whispered. And if Peter didn't have superhuman hearing, he probably would have missed it.

"Okay then, Clea—" the figure jolted "—I think I get it. The people of the Dark Dimension love and adore Dormammu. But I asked you about your home and want to hear your thoughts. How was it growing up? You've told me that your father has pledged his life to Dormammu, but that's the closest I have gotten to knowing about you as a person. What do you do for fun?"

Stunned, the figure was silent, though based on their subtle movements around the head area, he'd guess they were impersonating a fish at the moment.

"I think we are here," Dr. Strange said. Snapping the figure out of their stupor, they all stood before stairs leading upward to a marble building.

Clea shook their head. "Stephen Strange, Empathetic Jester, I implore you to reconsider whatever plot you two have planned. I tried speaking of the virtues of Dormammu. He's a great and just leader, regardless of his current actions, and he wants what is best for his people. I'm sure if you both actually surrender Earth to his rule, both our worlds can survive. Please reconsider."

Dr. Strange shook his head. "Clea, while it is admirable of you to try and change our minds, we have a duty to our home to fight and keep our independence."

"But I'm telling you, Dormammu is unbeatable! Whatever you have planned can't poss–"

"Clea." Peter interrupted. "We said we didn't plan to fight Dormammu, which is the truth. But even if we did fight him, I hope you understand that we wouldn't be able to just sit by and surrender even if it was a lost cause."

Clea wilted. "I pray your plan works."

---

They entered the building shortly after. The biggest thing Peter noticed was a multitude of treasures around the room. Gems, metal, shiny coins 'Some form of currency?'. If you named it, Dormammu had it. And it all surrounded an immaculate throne that a blazing being sat upon. Their body one bright orange mass of flame, a face somewhat visible if only by the lighter coloring where eyes and a mouth would be in a cruel smile, helped by the thorny black crown jutting from their bloodred armor as a frame.

'Dormammu, I am assuming.'

Spider-Man then noted that a youthful-looking man with white hair sat on his knees below the throne.

"Dormammu," Stephen greeted. "My fellow apprentice and I ha–"

"That is not your fellow apprentice Stephen Strange." The fiery being interrupted, "Now, unless you are here to submit Earth's rule to me, I suggest you pray in your final moments for deigning to lie to me as a greeting." Dormammu interrupted, raising his hand where a green glow started to emanate. "Well, this certainly was a nice dimension while it lasted. Orini, grab your daughter. I will send my sister ahead. It's time for us to conquer another dimension."

"WAIT!" Dr. Strange yelled. Causing the fiery being to lower their hand and for the white-haired man to stop from pulling the still cloaked Clea.

'That explains the use for being a messenger.'

"Lord Dormammu, I apologize. I was not aware your knowledge encompassed Earth's denizens already, and we shouldn't have tried to misinform you. I still ask that you allow me to plead Earth's case."

The Dark Dimension ruler squinted at the two earthlings."I will hear your words, Sorcerer."

"Thank you. While Earth is not willing to submit when given a threat to it, we ask that we are given a chance to fight for our independence, where if we lose, we will gladly submit. I propose a fight between myself and a being of yo–"

The Dark Dimension ruler's laugh cruelly interrupted Stephen. "You think I am about to have you fight any of my followers? I know of you Stephen Strange. Future Sorcerer Supreme. Even my most devout follower Orini here would struggle to defeat you. And don't think I am unaware of the curse I placed on your master being lifted. So my strength has waned enough for maybe even you to put up a fight against me, one I will admit I cannot win without throwing the delicate chain of barriers I am holding up into disarray."

'Well, there goes Plan A. Onto Plan B,' Peter thought to himself with a sigh; he should have known it would come to this with Madam Web's vision.

Undeterred, the Sorcerer narrowed his eyes. "Then my companion Spider-Man will fight in my stead against one of your followers."

Wearing a cruel smirk, Dormammu retorted. "Oh, and why not have him face me?"

"I would lie and say he is not my equal in magic as a fellow apprentice, but it would be more truthful to say that he does not know of magic at all. From what my master tells me, you enjoy the challenge of a fight; fighting one so unversed in the uses of magic I'm sure would be the opposite of what you would want."

"And what if I said I desire Earth to be under my rule so desperately that I would only accept him challenging me?"

Peter gulped. They didn't account for how hard the Dark Dimension ruler apparently strayed from his previously displayed trait of hungering for a worthy challenge. If that really was the only way for Plan B to work…

'Could I give him enough time?... The odds… would not be in my favor.'

Unflappable as he remembered him in the face of danger, Stephen responded, "I'm under no delusions that it would be a slaughter when placing a magic user against a non-magic user. Nor is anyone present."

'God, could it still be called a slaughter? I'd call it complete and utter annihilation. I'm not a god.'

"And yet, if that's what it takes." Stephen took a deep breath. "I'm sure Spider-Man would be up to the challenge, no matter how slim the chance of victory would be."

The aghast look thrown at Stephen was not only from Peter (Which to anyone else looked like he was simply staring, he hoped - Helmets for the win in protecting dignity.); Clea's positioning also denoted fear on his behalf. 'Nice to know I made an impression.'

After a moment, the web-swinging hero coughed once before straightening. Stephen wasn't wrong. While they planned, if the need arose, to fight Dormammu, that was with Strange at the fore, Peter would implement guerrilla tactics and protect Stephen from outside interference. Even so, Peter wouldn't cut and run. He was used to fighting with fear overwhelming his mind, which never stopped him before from doing what he felt was right.

Seeing Peter straighten, the fiery being's smirk disappeared, and he looked contemplative. As though he really needed to weigh the possibility of fighting Peter and his chances.

'Uh, what's taking so long for him to decide? Stephen wasn't wrong with his statement. I'm just an enhanced human.' Then it hit him. He was Death's Champion; what was it she said?

Avatars of Death should be subservient to you in respect, and all other beings that encompass my realm of Death and Destruction know that choosing you as my Champion means that you may act as arbiter in my name for any disputes.

'I don't think Dormammu is an Avatar of Death, and this isn't a dispute between beings that fall within Death's domains… but the Dark Dimension is apparently an off-shoot of hell and is associated with Death and Destruction, so he is probably aware of my status… But does he think I actually have powers from that or something?'

In a stroke of universal convenience, Dormammu continued staring, giving Peter time to look over his… face. It looked worried, in Peter's opinion, though maybe he was just searching. This was an otherworldly being made of fire and not a human after all. He was subtly thinking of how he could roast Peter alive for all he knew.

'Holy crap, he does know and is scared - at least a little bit! Enough to maybe make him worried like he would be if Stephen were to fight him. Okay, Peter, don't get cocky; wait, do get cocky! Just because you know Death's blessing and the former timelines end only increased your physical performance doesn't mean he does. All he knows is that you're married to Death and share her power…Powers?…, which you should, eventually. And Death is nigh-omnipotent; he's right to be scared. He doesn't know what you can bring to the table. So channel that inner Flash Thompson and every alpha male you know and let him know that you aren't scared; you're just looking for a chance to kick some ass. Be the asshole.'

The hero then changed his stance to slouch as though unworried and crossed his arms over his chest, and just for dramatic effect, activated his lenses to glow as though he was showing off some form of mystical power.

It worked if Dormammu's now tenser form could be construed as more worried. Even the man Orini and Clea now looked confused at their lord's bravado disappearing for this long in the place of contemplation.

Dormammu rose from his throne with a growl. "I have decided. Your companion Stephen Strange will fight my follower Orini in combat. The winner will be determined by the death or verbal surrender of the other. If one falls unconscious, the winner will decide their fate, with it still counting as a loss. Does this work for you?"

A slight smirk appeared on the doctor's face. "Oh, but I think Spider-Man should be the one to propose and finalize the agreement since he will put his life on the line and, as you said, is not my fellow apprentice, don't you agree?"

Dormammu stilled before his face denoted apoplectic rage for the tiniest of seconds before settling a glare at Peter, waiting.

Stepping forward with a hopefully unnoticeable gulp, Peter steeled himself and reminded himself of the proper verbiage Dr. Strange and The Ancient One stressed if he was to be the one to fight. "I challenge you, Dormammu, in a battle of combat for Earth's independence and safety of destruction from your rule if I win and Earth's surrender if I lose. As you offered, verbal surrender or death from one of the parties will be how a winner is determined. While unconsciousness will be dealt with by the winner and counts as death. Do you accept these terms?"

Stone-faced, or as much as one could be when your body was made of energy, Dormammu nodded. "I accept if, in place of myself, I can make my champion Orini do battle on my behalf."

Peter sighed in relief internally. Plan B could still take place. "I accept your champion to do battle on your behalf." When the words finished spilling from Peter's mouth, a black web line materialized between the two, with what appeared to be a knot forming due to a pair of pale hands though they were too translucent to tell if it was just a trick of the light.

The feel of lips on his cheek and a follow-up caress from a hand let him know it was some being. More concerned with the phantom feelings than the visible pact that formed between him and Dormammu, he absentmindedly noted it was gone now, though no one was reacting. 'Was that my Death or whatever this year's Death?' He was guessing it was his Death due to the kiss and caress, or at least Death in general, what with making a pact before not causing that kind of spectacle.

"It is done. I think a more proper venue is needed in place of my throne room," Dormammu said scornfully.

He snapped his fingers, and the room changed to what Peter would call a Roman coliseum, with them now on the ground floor.

"I will give you a few minutes to converse as I do the same."

With that, he shooed them away, waiting until they moved a considerable distance away before turning to speak with his followers.

Once they were a distance away, Peter shook with nervousness. Stephen, for his part, now allowed himself to wear a frown.

"So, how long do you need?" Peter said, breaking the silence.

Dr. Strange sighed, "Ten minutes, maybe twelve if Dormammu notices something going on. Can you do that? Or do you think you can win even?"

Peter glanced at the man he was slated to fight. He was expecting the follower he would have to fight would be wearing a golde- oh…there it is. Orini spawned a gaudy and large helmet that looked like it fit more in the world of Dark Souls from a follower of the Sun Bro Cult with no practical use in the real world. With a zealotry-filled yell, he slammed the helmet on top of his head before stepping away to stand ready with a glare.

Honestly, that passion reminded him of Rhino. 'Twelve minutes?...' He turned back to Stephen with a nod. "I can do it."

Stephen gave him a faint smile. "Excellent. Good Luck."

With a flash of light from Stephen and a snap from Dormammu's end, Orini and Peter were left alone.

"On my signal, you may begin," Dormammu said, voice echoing around the fighters.

Standing close enough to where he could speak comfortably, Peter activated his helmet's HUD to track and detect magic and stared back at the now yellow glowing-eyed man.

"Ooooh, scary, what's next? Are you going to shout at me? Give Black-Bolt a run for his money?" Peter taunted, moving into a more aggressive stance.

"I'm going to crush you and serve your body to my master on a platter." The white-haired youth growled out as a yellow aura emanated from his hands, already preparing a spell.

"Well, that doesn't sound very nice," Peter said mockingly.

'Need to blitz him.'

"BEGIN!" Dormammu shouted, letting off a bang somewhere above them.

Bursting forward, Spider-Man reached the magician before his fingers could even twitch. Unfortunately for the hero, the magician's fingers didn't need to move for his spell to activate. A flash of yellow pulsed from Orini just as the hero's fist was about to crash into his sternum; it washed over him.

A feeling of lethargy and encroaching darkness to his vision were the effects of the spell. Causing him to stumble and miss his punch, next to the now scared and rapidly backtracking magician.

"What in the name of –" Orini's voice rang out, echoing through Peter's mind.

The young man saw his foe move back further, his vision conveniently settling him in the center of his darkening vision, or maybe it was his body knowing what his conscious mind wanted. Either way, he had to stay awake and fight. 'Easier….said than….' He couldn't finish the thought as he tried running forward, instead stumbling as his vision started swimming. The ground looked so tempting. 'Lay down….'

"Hmph, you might have a greater constitution than I thought, but in the end, you are just a mortal." The dark follower stated before raising one of his hands towards Peter. "And just like all mortals, only those of us who earn the favor of the gods are worthy to survive."

Spider-Sense: Magic Bolt Incoming!

Even though he felt like he was moving through sludge while having some of the worst bouts of vertigo, the shot of adrenaline from his spidey-sense jolted him awake enough to bend backward at the knees, dodging it.

'Oh…not….good.' Peter thought to himself as he started stumbling around with his back bent, his natural agility keeping him as upright as possible. '...so sleepy…'

Fighting to stay awake, Peter tried uprighting himself before having to dodge another magic bolt. A monotone "Gahhhhhh." Was all he was able to let out, his vocal cords too relaxed to do much else.

"Stay still and die!"

"Nooooooooo." The hero groaned, dodging a bolt to the side before letting off a web that was a few feet off to the side from his magical foe. Holding onto it like a lifeline.

'Just…gotta…'

"Pfft, pitiful. What was that supposed to do?" Orini said before letting off another bolt of magic.

Another dodge, another web fired, this time on the opposite side of the magician. 'Come on…'

"What now, fool? You can't even stand up straight." The dark dimension dweller said, seeing how Peter was leaning back, pulling onto the webs as though to keep upright.

Snorting at the image, Orini taunted his foe. "When we tell of this battle for Earth's rule, I think I'll embellish the fight you put up for your peoples' pride. When my lord told me you were Death's Champion, I expected more; but you were just a fool. My lord was right to let me handle this, as though you could even grace the same battlefield he was to fight on, let alone fight him."

With that, Orini fired what he believed to be the last bolt he would need for this fight.

With a Thwip, Peter released his hold on the taut webs and slingshotted forward, dodging the bolt. 'Ugh, God…better…work,' He thought tiredly; His eyes widened when he saw he was coming in too fast. 'Cant…kill.' He fired another web line below his flying body.

The smack of his significantly slowed body crashing into the magician echoed throughout the coliseum, covering the sound of the ribs of his foe breaking beneath.

Immediately Peter felt awake and launched himself up and away, making sure to web the fallen foe. "Man, that was not fun. Seriously, try fighting when you feel like you could sleep for eternity."

A groan from the fallen man was his reply. Looking him over and noticing the closed eyes and slowly moving mouth, he nodded to himself.

'Must be knocked out.'

"And don't think I didn't hear what you were saying while I was groggy you arrogant prick." He said to the unconscious man.

Standing victorious, he searched for where the three spectators of the fight were. Finding them standing near where he would assume a king or emperor would sit, he saw that Stephen had the ghost of a smile on his face. He nodded.

Looking towards the others, he noticed that Clea, still covered, gripped the railing tightly, probably concerned about her father. He winced internally.

'I'd rather have not done it so brutally but couldn't really hold myself back as much due to his spell.'

As for the last spectator, Peter noticed that Dormammu, while not pleased with the outcome based on the frown, looked remarkably unworried for someone who had just lost.

'That does not look like the fuming tyrant who just lost his claim to Earth.'

"Hey, Dormammu! If his groans are anything to go by, your follower has lost pretty handily. Why don't you make with the capitulating and close the barrier to Earth so that Strange and I can go home. Actually, close the barrier to the Below Place as well. Come on, chop-chop."

The Dark Dimension ruler gave him a grim smile. "Why, indeed, Spider-Man. I will undoubtedly get to doing so if you win your fight against my chief follower."

Peter quirked an eyebrow. "What do you mean? I knocked him unconscious."

"Did you?"

"Of course, I d–" The hero cut himself off. His spidey-sense was ringing. 'Oh, crap.'

Turning back, he saw a billow of flame rise from Orini.

"I THANK YOU LORD DORMAMMU! FOR YOUR FAMILY'S POWER! NOW! WHAT WAS THAT ABOUT ARROGANCE, YOU WEAKLING?!"

'Me and my big mouth.'

Immediately, Spider-Man switched to his tracer cartridges and fired his cryo-tracers. He sighed in relief as the ice spread around the magician's body, snuffing the flames. He shook his head and started webbing up the now iced man just in case.

'See, you try to get out of that! Ha!'

Smug Spider-Man turned around to face Dormammu, who was wearing a smirk.

"What? You telling me he's not unconscious still? The man is frozen! On top of that, he's under fire-pr–"

Spider-Sense: Jump to dodge flames!

Cutting himself off, he jumped into the air further away from the now blasting fire erupting from where Orini was held. The flames he gave off were nearing temperatures he'd expect from an older Johnny Storm.

'What in the heck is going on here?'

"Getting toasty in here. Would you happen to be willing to turn it down if I asked nicely?" Peter asked.

His only response was a rage-filled roar and an even more intense bout of flames that expanded a few more feet outward.

"Thought not. Didn't hurt to a–" He cut himself off to dodge another flame attack, firing off another cryotracer.

He watched as it melted before it could even get within five feet of the man.

'Welp didn't have the materials on hand to create cryowebs, so hope this works.'

Peter switched to use what his clone, Ben Reilly, made, with a slight improvement for certain foes. 'Let's see how you do against a bunch of impact webs made with concrete webbing!'

Firing off a barrage of pellets, the heat melted the shells allowing the liquid within to make contact with the air turning into a deluge of webbing that encompassed the man on fire. Again snuffing out the flames. Though the ground was steaming around him, Spider-Man rushed in and, accounting for the damage he did earlier, landed a solid punch to the magician's solar plexus.

THWACK

Peter blinked. He landed the hit; why was his foe not keeling over? He narrowed his eyes and landed another one, slightly harder. Another thwack. Eye twitching, he tried landing more decisive blows progressively. The repeated sound of thwack from hitting the webbed body rebounded off the walls. Smoke started to billow from beneath the webs as Peter continued.

A few seconds in and Peter heard the sound of Dormammu laughing uproariously.

"Oh, isn't this just humorous, the Champion of Death, constantly trying to land the simplest of strikes and failing to get results. Is that really the best you can do?"Dormammu taunted.

Snarling Spider-Man decided to try hitting as hard as he formerly could when absolutely up against the wall.

THWUD

Orini's body finally bent, slightly though as though he was only pushed. Jesus, it felt like he was hitting Thor!

'What in the hell? First his sudden fire usage, now he's taking hits like a god!? What was it, he said? Something about having his lord's power? What did he get temporary god status?'

Spider-Man shook his head again; it didn't matter right now. He used the last of his impact webs to snuff out what little flames the magician had left, saving his standard webbing for any possible confrontation later.

Orini now looked like a wad of deformed wax. Satisfied he wasn't getting out of there for at least a minute, Peter released the most brutal punch he's ever dealt with his current capabilities. A shockwave emanated from the point of impact, breaking the ground beneath, yet the webbing held.

KA-THWOOM

A muffled groan was heard from within the webbing, causing Peter to smirk.

'Okay, can definitely do some damage; keep hitting him until he's knocked out.'

Thwoom! Thwoom! Thwoom! Spider-Man continued raining blows down on the subdued worshipper. Orini's groans of pain started to become more apparent he absentmindedly noted, and that the webbing was shearing off faster and faster as he hit the same general area repeatedly.

'Dammit, come on, go to sleep!'

The sound of crackling flames reached his ears just as he saw the orange glow peek out from beneath the remaining webbing.

'Crap.'

Rising from the webbing with a vengeance, the golden helmet-wearing man screamed, "That actually hurt you, insufferable mortal!"

Raising his arms, the mage fired off more flame attacks causing Peter's spider-sense to wail, and he began a game of dodgeball…with flames; what made it worse is that they were staying in the air and were hot.

'Keep it cool, keep it cool, Parker. Now come on, think!'

He was out of impact webs, cryotracers wouldn't last, and he didn't have enou–

Spider-Sense: Explosion behind you! Wait around you!

'Wha–'

The balls of flame shined around him before he felt his body buffeted from all sides, pain erupting from each blast. His vision went white as his helmet did its job of protecting him as best it could and tried saving his sight. Eventually though, he heard a crack, and then his ears started to ring.

'God…is this it?'

He wondered if Strange finished the spell, would it even matter….No, it had to count; in fact, he needed to get up. While his body felt numb, it felt like the blasts were done; maybe Orini got tired, or perhaps the magician thought he was unconscious, maybe his lord stopped him to gloat, or maybe Peter was simply thinking fast in his last moments. Regardless he felt that his body lay still against the floor, which meant he had an opening.

He tried searching through his body for any scrap of energy. He needed to get up; he had t– He felt a presence in his mind.

'So…the man believes he can play the spider once more…yet he still is afraid to accept that part of himself.'

'What?' The hero was lost as to who this being was.

'Hmph, your memories show you don't even know me. Well, I know you, Peter Parker, and I find you wanting! Your memories show that you can beat your foe, at his own game even! …Regardless of my current opinion, I do not want the Web to fall…again I should say. I shall help you find your way, but don't expect this again. You should thank your wife, you'll be further along one path of the Web with your spiritual union with her, even further if you complete the physical aspect.'

'Uhhhh.'

The entity sighed. 'Nevermind. I'll see you again when you actually should be brought before me. When you have need of actually evolving.'

As the entity left, he felt something shift within him, enlightenment about the Web and…a memory he categorized as a dream flitted by him.

'Shield of Seraphim and Images of Ikkon? Wait, does this mean that dream of teaming up with Strange and Natasha was real? What the fuck?'

Before the wall-crawler could focus more on that dream being an actual memory, he felt hot. His blood was boiling as his body's nerves awoke screaming before he felt the burns and cuts he accumulated heal rapidly. His vision suddenly came back, and he blinked. His helmet was broken over one lens and one ear but otherwise secure.

Once his body was done healing, he snapped up, feeling electrified. He was raring to go. Taking note of his surroundings, he saw that the dust was settling extremely slowly. Frowning, his eyes flitted to where he felt his foe was standing.

Orini was just barely lowering his arms as though to check the damage dealt.

'Is my mind processing data at a faster rate right now? What about my body?'

He looked down to check the state of it, and he felt more so than he saw that his body was changed. It felt like he had energy suffused within him. And, if he could see himself right now, Peter would note that the only change was his sclera was now black and his iris a glowing crimson red. He moved his hand to the front of his face, it moved normally to his eyes, but taking into account the world around him, he must have been moving extremely quickly. He grinned, standing up.

---

Natasha - Natasha and Val's Apartment - Earlier

Vrrrrm Vrrrrm

Vrrr–

Natasha turned off the alarm with a sigh as she sat up.

'It's my turn again.'

It's not that it was that much of an issue, what with her days off of work consisting of training her skills at SHIELDs facilities and little else.

'I need a hobby.'

If she had one, she might have had a reason to deny Agent Val asking for her to cover for her today. Citing, she wanted to take a break.

Shaking her head, she continued her morning routine for tailing Parker. Which consisted of a deeper set of stretches and a warm shower as he liked to traverse the rooftops; her joints and muscles needed to be as limber as possible, along with double checking her equipment and taking care of her body before getting dressed.

Afterward, she entered their kitchen area, greeting Val, who was already there with a plate of American breakfast and a cup of coffee. She wore a silk set of pajamas with her hair down and had a clothing magazine open. "Good morning."

"Good morning, Nat." Val greeted warmly. "Sleep well? There's enough for you as well, by the way." She said, motioning her head toward the stove.

Natasha shrugged, "Can't complain. See any outfits you want?"

The raven-haired woman huffed, blowing the white streak of her hair out of her face. "I wish; it's just something to read for now. Though I do think I'll go shopping, and maybe take a spa day. Like I said, I need a break. So thank you again."

The redhead hummed, grabbing herself a cup of coffee and a plate, "It's no problem; it's not like Parker makes it hard to keep track of him. And he's stronger than either of us so protecting him is almost unneeded. Honestly, if yesterday is anything to go by, it'll just be getting a workout for the entire day with some humor throughout." She paused. "Don't tell him I said that, by the way. At this point, it's a matter of pride, and I plan on letting him know when the time is right."

Val laughed before giving a wane smile. "Your secret's safe with me. Also, true, it honestly isn't that much work, and Peter can definitely make it fun with his banter, but I…." She cut herself off, shaking her head. "I think a single day just to myself is what I need."

"Well, as long as you don't do this all the time, I don't mind. Not like I have anything better to do, at least until SHIELD clears me for more dangerous field work…or until I find a hobby." Natasha said, sipping her cup.

Val brightened. "I think Fury and the other SHIELD leadership are satisfied with your performance so far. Even including the introduction of Peter. If anything, that bolstered how they view you; we did find Captain America with his help after all, and we both were supposed to be in charge of him."

The Russian woman cocked her head and raised an eyebrow before snorting. "Really? If this was the KGB, I'd be sent off on 3 suicide missions by now as 'punishment.' While I know America is significantly more lenient with failure, I doubt it, and the UN would reward failure."

Val laughed. "You expect perfection where there can be none, Natasha. Personally, I think you are performing exceptionally well. And as your 'handler,' what I say is the law."

"You're the boss," Natasha said, rolling her eyes, though she was smiling as well.

They lulled into a content silence and finished their respective meals before Natasha made her way to the Parker home.

The rest of the morning passed as expected as she followed the Parker scion from his home to his company building.

'At this rate, I should spread out an awning to quickly be built from the top of this building. At this point, it is a legitimate waiting game until he decides to leave.'

Sighing, she got herself comfortable and waited for when Peter would exit the building. That wasn't to say she slacked off; Natasha prided herself on her work and was still looking for any dangers from her vantage point. And other than seeing the Greek Ambassador's daughter debate walking into the building before turning around, nothing of note happened.

'I was right, though; it looks like it's going to be another lazy day. Or as lazy as it can get following a superhuman.'

A few hours passed, and surprisingly Parker left early. 'Must have gotten everything done for today.'

He swung over her building and, other than a minuscule head tilt, waved happily at her.

She couldn't help but smirk at his apparent constant upbeat attitude and lazily waved back before following. Then her lazy predictions for the day ended.

Seeing Peter land, Natasha followed herself and saw his stance was one of worry. Before she could get a word in, he was already shaking his head and motioned for her to be quiet. Seeing him stand still, she thought that he might be aware of something else going on and searched using her eyes and ears for anything that stood out.

'It must be something that only his ears could hear. Assuming his entire being is enhanced, not just his bone and musculature system.'

She couldn't hear anything and decided to wait again. Seeing him slump, though, she did get a tad concerned. "What's wrong?"

He shook his head again. Puzzled at his quietness but noting that he seemed more resigned, she continued waiting.

After a few more moments, he perked up and turned to her. "So Nat, you wanna meet a real-life wizard?"

'That nickname again…how can he act so close so soon? Never mind that, he spoke about wizards.'

She frowned, "And what pray tell brought this offer on?"

He laughed nervously, already setting her on edge, "So, I don't want to alarm you, but I need to save the world from a mystical force."

'No way.'

"The wizard in question could explain it better than I could. But don't really wanna stand here talking when I can be doing something, you coming?"

She sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, not that she was actually getting a headache; she was just lamenting her lazy day already going away.

'I must have jinxed it. But probably better me than Val to accompany him. That said…magic really?'

"The modern world is way more complicated than I had to deal with before." She let out with a half-hearted glare.

She could just see his nervous smile beneath his helmet as he continued, "Um, actually, I think I'm going to have to do some time travel for this issue...in the past…."

Natasha deadpanned at the hero. "I stand corrected." Releasing another sigh, she nodded, "Let's move on then. Lead the way."

After a cheesy thumbs up that made her want to throw another smirk, Spider-Man turned to leave but then stopped himself and was the epitome of confusion as he snapped his head back. "Wait, I just realized what you said. Didn't your time include a World War? And you were pretty active, from what I remember. So like…."

'You little…magic sounds a little above my paygrade compared to assassination missions!'

Is what she wanted to say; instead, she snapped. "I know what I said!" and gave him a half-hearted glare.

"Meep. Sure shutting up now…." He said in a higher pitched tone, as though she could actually hurt him, and quickly left the building in a swing.

The redhead shook her head with a snort as she followed him.

'Always quick to drain away the tension even at the expense of his own pride.'

They arrived at the Wizard's base relatively soon and ignored the gawking civilians. Her identity couldn't be found anywhere but in SHIELD, so she was unconcerned. Plus, she could always disguise herself if needed.

Spider-Man knocked on the door, and other than the expected greeting, which notified her how he was getting mixed up in this. 'That woman.' Everything was going well as could be expected. Enter a new building, map out the exits and defensible points….of which there were many.

'There are so many rooms…and other than the entrance, I don't see any other exit areas. Wha–'

She caught Parker's eye or his lens, to be exact and he motioned for her to calm down causing her to huff.

'I was right; this is above my paygrade.'

They arrived shortly after at the study of the wizard. She made sure to copy Spider-Man's movements, at least in greeting. Better for her to fit in and not draw attention to herself if she needs to do something.

As the elderly man named the Ancient One spoke of the upcoming threat Natasha sighed internally.

'I have no idea who Dormammu is, and I have no basis for how strong this Dr. Strange is…I can only guess that this Below Place is an allegory for hell? Ugh…'

She shook her head. She was getting into the details when she didn't even know most of what they meant; she only needed to focus on the threat: For all intents and purposes, a foreign nation was planning to release something that was apocalyptic in nature and perform Scorched Earth. The plan or goal should be to either neutralize the people in charge of this attack and their lieutenants, Dormammu, or neutralize the object causing the attack, the portal to this Below Place. Easy enough with a large enough or powerful enough force.

'But from the sounds of it, they don't have many high-tier magicians to help…Oh?'

At hearing how Peter had no magic to speak of and yet was apparently able to handle magic threats, she grew amazed and showed as such.

'I assumed that if he was getting called in for something magic related, he'd be a practitioner or something. Not just enhanced.'

The reasons why were based on the simple fact that magic existed; the state of an apparently infinite number of rooms showcased that magicians with the proper training should be able to bend reality to their whim, along with the threat hanging in the air right now. She imagined that any nonmagic user trying to engage a mage would end decisively with the nonmagic one lucky to live.

Of course, she could just be overestimating magic itself.

'Regardless, it can't be easy as well.'

The elder in front relayed as much for the overall plan as Natasha could come up with and waited for them to agree and then go into expected issues, ally abilities, the works.

Instead, the man opened a portal to an ever-changing landscape and saw her charge stiffen.

'Was that it?'

Natasha's awe and therefore, her respect dropped a little for these magicians. Seeing Peter's shoulders fall in acceptance, though, angered her.

"Wait," Thankfully, everyone stopped what they were doing without the need for her to raise her voice, "That's it? No sharing of abilities or knowledge of what to maybe expect? You both expect for it to just work out without sharing with each other?

Strange was the only one visibly confused, while based on the minute changes in Spider-Man's stance, he was sheepish. She frowned internally, even more so when she heard his words.

"Uh, yeah, I guess. I'm familiar with magic to a certain extent and have a pretty good handle on what Dr. Strange here can do. Plus, I'm sure he's already researched me –"

"Actually, other than hearing of your exploits on T.V., I never really bothered looking into you. There have been pressing matters to attend to on my end." The magician interjected.

She would have cracked a smile at seeing Peter falter in surprise if the situation wasn't serious. But it was severe, and she was beginning to feel worried about the sensibilities of these magicians. Based on Peter's answer, she felt satisfied that if he didn't know of Strange's abilities, he would have asked. The question is, would Strange have asked?

The Ancient One voiced as much; this time, Peter became incensed, or about as much as she's ever seen him. Which was when he accused them of cheating, which wasn't cheating. It was strategizing with another player non-verbally against a mutual foe. Absolutely legal.

Suffice to say that Peter got a little uppity and not really angry as he moved to stand next to her and motion for Strange to come back.

Strange sighed, "Let us begin then. What can you do?"

After a slight pause, Peter listed his abilities. "To start, I have this precognition ability I call my Spider-Sense." Seeing her and everyone else's curious faces, he explained, "You see, it works like this…."

---

Natasha was speechless after hearing a quick rundown and explanation of his abilities and went over his self-given list as he and Stephen left. His Spider-Sense was the ultimate tool for a fight and possibly for more.

'Is it trainable?'

His strength and every other physical aspect were, and by all logical accounts, even his ability to stick to anything. Natasha will need to ask him later if he's tried moving his abilities beyond what he's shown. She usually wouldn't try to do so, but since she's been assigned to watch him and, if needed, help protect him, there's almost no reason not to ask.

On the other hand, the magician Stephen seemed almost lackluster in his abilities, mainly due to his response, "If you can think of it, I can probably perform it." Which seemed to be enough for Peter, who probably actually knew his full capabilities and thus was satisfied.

From there, they asked Yao what they could expect exactly from Dormammu, and after the elderly man checked to see that the time-traveling portal was still open, he listed Dormammu's traits and main go-to's in a fight.

After Yao finished speaking, they devised two plans to implement.

'Stephen will try to goad Dormammu into allowing one of his followers, if not himself, into a fight for Earth's protection. As the apprentice of the Sorcerer Supreme, he should have the ability to make that type of pact. Failing that, they will switch Spider-Man for Strange except using Dormammu's want of a fight and downplay Peter's skill so that he would fight a follower of Dormammu's. And failing that, Peter would have to try and protect Stephen while he repairs the barrier before joining him in battle. Simple and effective if all goes to plan.'

She sighed and decided to stop fretting over it; there was nothing she could feasibly do now. Instead, she watched the aerial view Yao made using some sort of mist, noticing that Peter and Strange were now walking toward a lone figure.

'First obstacle. Let's see if the preplanned excuse for Peter and Strange to be there works.'

Natasha had the urge to facepalm at seeing the plan already failing.

'At least Peter has a way with words…And a way of being aware of someone's emotions. A deadly combo for manipulation, and he's probably unaware of it in this context.'

She watched as Peter continued unknowingly playing the female. Yes, she could tell by their gait that they were female, not only launching into giving their own history but also paying close attention to her while she was emotionally vulnerable. It frayed at her loyalty to, if not her nation, then her leader.

They arrived at Dormammu's base, and Natasha again was unimpressed; she's seen plenty of opulent humans in her lifetime to negate any awe she might feel towards the show he put on. His body was imposing, as it was made out of what seemed to be literal flames, but his apparent need to put on a show highlighted his weak ego.

'What is it with megalomaniacs and them having such weak egos? My former leaders, Red Skull and now Dormammu, seem to want to put on a spectacle before anything of substance happens.'

The redhead frowned as she heard Dormammu threaten, only accepting to fight Peter.

'That could be a pr– Oh, he caved? Was it just bravado?'

As Peter and the gaudy helmet-wearing man squared off, Natasha readied herself to pay attention. Not just to see Peter's skills in action further than just common thugs and possibly critique him, but to know just what a magician could be capable of. She huffed at the start when hearing Peter's banter, and Natasha was not prepared for him to disappear from her vision and appear in front of the magician before she could blink as the fight started.

'What the…just how much has he been holding back?'

Unfortunately, the helmet-wearing man must have cast a spell as Spider-Man stumbled when he appeared. He then started behaving like one of those Drunken Fist masters from those martial arts movies Val showed her.

'While this is hilarious out of context, I still can't help being worried….''

"How is it that Spider-Man is behaving like he's drunk or groggy right now?" she asked the two men inside the room.

Wong and Yao turned to her, the elderly man answered. "Orini cast a mass sleep spell in his surrounding area; it's a spell that he needs to constantly power, but depending on the constitution of its targets, they will either fall asleep or stay awake. Or anywhere in between, it varies."

"I see." Natasha nodded in thanks.

'Well, I hope Peter is somehow able to overcome being tired.'

She wasn't disappointed and stared unflinchingly as Spider-Man slammed into his foe.

'Unless the man cast a spell to make himself invulnerable, this is over.' She looked the man over as Peter jumped away. 'Yeah, his ribs look to be broken in multiple places. He'll be lucky if he can recover to a functioning state ever again.'

She sighed in relief and allowed herself a moment to relax.

'Sitting on the sidelines is str–'

"Did you?"

"Of course, I d–"

She froze. Snapping her eyes open, she caught sight of the tower of flame coming from the miraculously healed magician.

'What in the world.'

Thankfully, Peter looked to be handling himself and showcased how much he's held himself back.

'He's creating shockwaves! With his fists!'

Unfortunately, he wasn't doing enough damage, either due to the webbing nullifying some of the power of his attacks or whatever spell the magician cast was that strong and healed him.

The flames erupted from the magician with a vengeance as the webs were blasted off eventually. She watched as Spider-Man did his best to dodge and was doing exceedingly well until every dodged flame ball became a bomb.

Natasha lost track of Peter seconds into the barrage. She felt cold. While she wasn't truly that close to him, she wasn't blind to the care he exuded in his interactions with her or how kind he was to random people he'd never met, and it was hard not to start feeling some form of care.

'I can't see him, and I don't know how durable his body is or if his armor could reasonably withstand the force behind the explosions.'

She could see that the ground was cratering near each explosion which didn't bode well, but eventually, the golden helmeted magician did tire. Showcasing that the man wasn't an unstoppable explosion machine.

'Come on, come on, where are you?

The dust suddenly was pushed away due to another shockwave with the magician's body flying till it hit a barrier that seemed to be protecting the walls of the coliseum.

Peter was standing where the magician previously stood, fist still outstretched.

'He's wounded. Wait, no, only his armor looks to be broken. His eye though, why is it red….'

"Hm. Interesting." Yao said.

"What's interesting?" The spy asked, not taking her eyes off the mist.

"Spider-Man seems to be enhancing his body with Nether. I'm guessing his connection with Death allows him to do so." He explained.

"Nether?"

The elder magician hummed. "Nether is a spiritual substance that flows between the planes of the living and the dead and represents the destructive part of reality. It can manipulate or create almost anything in relation to destruction. Time, conventional destructive forces such as fire, earth, and many more. That is a summed-up version of its capabilities and definition, but it should suffice. Does that answer your question?"

"Somewhat…that seems a little broad in its use. And that's the reason for Spider-Man's eye glowing red?"

"That's because it is a broad power to use. And yes, unlike the Darkforce, which has a purple hue, the Nether normally is unseen on the color spectrum. Still, probably due to malefic influence in Spider-Man's life, his use of it would take on a crimson color and what appears to be black due to his relation to Death."

Mulling the information over, Natasha left it at that, choosing to watch as Peter continued thrashing the magician.

'From the sounds of it, this should be in the bag now.'

---

Spider-Man - Dormammu's Coliseum

As the shockwave blasted the dust away from the point of impact of his charged punch, Peter calmly watched as Orini's body seemed to fly away in slow motion.

'I'm hoping this is an aspect of this energy I'm feeling or, if it's permanent, that I can at least continue a conversation normally.'

Once he saw Orini hit a barrier, Peter rushed to slam the magician against it again. And not seeing any reason to stop based on the man's tenacity continued doing so until the golden helmet broke, showcasing the bloodied head of the magician underneath.

'Still awake, I see. Not for long, you explosive loving bastard.'

Raising his fist to give another solid punch, he paused as he felt something off in his other hand.

'What the…'

Staring intently into the bloodied man, he could see the after-image of a raven-haired woman in green that seemed connected to Orini through strands of webbing and looked just as damaged if not worse than he was. It wasn't normally webbing either, it was a selection of colors, but the most prominent were red-orange ones wrapped around her body and seemed to be pulsing and sending some form of energy to Orini.

Frowning, he unconsciously moved his raised hand to grab at the woman. His fingers easily grasped onto the woman's shoulder and pulled. The webbing put up no resistance, and by the time she was safely next to him, shivering, Orini lay as though lifeless, if not for the deep breathing he was in showcasing his unconscious state.

Feeling the woman now grasping onto his waist and no warning from his spidey-sense, he turned to stare at the battles watchers noting their faces of shock.

'I mean, I guess I did survive a crap ton of explosions to the face, so a little awe should be expected but come on.'

Before he could call out to Dormammu to pay up, his Spider-Sense blared in warning at an even larger explosive spell about to be cast.

'Crap, what can I do? She's injured and shouldn't be moved. Unless…'

Mind going back to what he thought was a dream but actually a memory, he raised his free hand above them.

'Please work!'

A red shield appeared in a half-sphere shape just in time as the explosion erupted around the barrier.

The hero sighed in relief.

'Just in time.'

"I think that's enough." Death's voice rang out coldly.

"Wh-what?!" Dormammu shouted in surprise before suddenly screaming in rage.

In the blink of an eye, though to Peter, it took a minute, and so saw matter change around them, they were back in Dormammu's throne room, and he saw that Dormammu now had some brutal-looking chains wrapped around him, with Orini beneath still wounded. Strange and the still cloaked Clea were standing near him and the woman.

Death then appeared, sitting on Dormammu's throne with a pleased smile.

"Well done, my champion. And good work as well, Dr. Strange. You both performed your tasks to perfection. And as you can see, this Faltine wasn't going to keep to his side of the deal. Which would have ended in you having to battle him as he eventually tried to do. If not for you, Strange, Earth, and potentially the multiverse would be dealing with the One-Below-All again. Dormammu from what I gleaned from his mind, planned on barricading him within the destroyed Dark and Earth dimension, he'd fail of course, because he should have realized he was weakened. Though that would also explain why he did what he did."

Strange paled at the confirmation. And Peter was reeling himself. He thought they, as humans, would be the only ones trying to get out of the deal if it didn't work for them since they had everything to gain and everything to lose.

"Fortunately, you had my dear champion make the wager, and as I act as a mediator for all wagers between those within the realm of Death and Destruction was able to force Dormammu into submission once he broke his promise." She continued, though based on the widened smirk thrown at Peter, he was sure she was aware of their plan to not hold up their end of the wager as well.

'Would she have forced Strange and me to submit?'

'Nonsense, my dear champion. Dormammu has broken cosmic rules as well concerning this jaunt to the past to try and overcome possible defeat from the One-Below-All. As you humans say, this is just the straw that broke the camel's back.'

"Now, all that remains is putting a new ruler over the Dark Dimension, and we can head home." She finished.

"Yes." The woman hugging Peter's side stated quietly. She moved to stand on her own power and, after a moment, did so. Allowing Peter to get a good look at her. She fit the trope of a statuesque beauty easily. Her wounded ivory skin not detracting from that statement as it healed. Her height, of course also played into it. She looked to be about an inch taller than him…for now.

'Damn teenage body.'

He was getting sidetracked; her gait became more confident as she walked up the stairs, throwing a glare at Dormammu and Orini before stopping before Death. She bowed slightly. "If you would allow me to claim my brother's throne, I would be most gracious. It should be mine by right."

Death pursed her lips. "What say you, Strange and Spider-Man? For all intents and purposes, you both are the interim rulers by right of conquest."

The men looked at each other. Seeing Strange frown, Peter turned back to the lady in green. "What was your name?"

"Forgive me, Spider-Man. You saved me from my tethering to that pathetic magician, and I did not give you my name. I am Umar of the Faltine. I am sister to Dormammu." She said quickly, her stance one of confidence.

"Er, why were you tethered to Orini?" The hero asked, concerned and confused at the familial relation.

'The difference in form also makes it a little hard to believe.'

Umar frowned before glaring again at Dormammu and Orini. "My brother," she spat, "came here from the future and merged with his younger self. Before going on about receiving memories from a different time where he was ousted from being Lord of the Dark Dimension, by a child of mine and his most faithful follower, consorting with Earth's Sorcerer Supreme or future Sorcerer Supreme I admit to not paying much attention as he loves to complain." She sighed before continuing, "I will admit I did plan on coupling with Orini before he arrived and was not planning on doing so after learning the potential consequences. But then Orini's future self merged with his past self as well and persuaded my brother to trap and bind me to him. Citing to give his daughter a chance to prove herself and as a backup of power if the need arose." Finished, she then stared hard at the cloaked Clea. "I see that Orini's child appears to be allied with you and your magic companion though. Uncloak yourself child."

After a moment's hesitation, Clea did so. Showing her white hair and ivory skin.

'Huh, looks like other than the hair from her father and slightly rounder cheeks, she could pass for Umar's sister.'

"I see you have a spelled time displacement belt. Good. I was worried I would somehow fall to some form of allure and couple with Orini as your presence is still here." She paused. "The time portal is closed yes?"

"It is not," Strange replied.

Umar frowned. "I see. Well, I hope you never take off the belt once it does for your sake child. Now, does that satisfy your questioning?"

Peter frowned beneath his broken helmet.

'So sibling rivalry is the issue, plus a man not being able to hold himself back once he found out something changed.'

"Last question, how will you rule your people?" Spider-Man said.

"I plan to continue what our previous rule was, this time simply as the sole ruler. Namely the absorption of other realms and have my people prosper." She stated evenly. At seeing Strange and Spider-Man tense she smiled placatingly. "Oh, don't worry, I have no intention of dishonoring your actions noble warrior. I planned to leave your realm alone. In fact, I was going to offer an alliance."

"Uhhhhh." Peter looked to Strange, who looked lost for words as well.

Death, on the other hand looked pleased.

Turning to Clea, Peter asked. "Is there anyone else who you think could be a ruler?"

He heard Umar gasp in anger but ignored her; he'd rather not leave someone he barely knew in charge, even if she seemed like the victim, unless he could help it.

Clea turned to look at him morosely, her eyes unfocused before shaking her head. "I'm sorry?"

The hero winced internally.

'Way to go Peter. Just go ahead and ask the person who just realized they might not exist once they go back to the future if they know anyone else who could rule. Totally not insensitive.'

"Uh look never mind." He turned to Strange. "Thoughts?" He pointedly ignored the light tapping of the woman's foot.

Stephen frowned. "If you remember Clea's speech, her people truly do look up to Dormammu. If she can be believed, Dormammu and his sister did look out for their people's best interest. However, we don't know if what they were taught was the truth. As you succinctly put it, it sounded like they were almost indoctrinated to believe that way."

Mulling it over, Peter sighed and turned back to Umar, who stopped tapping her foot after seeing she had his attention.

"Well?"

"Is there any way we can dissuade you from being a conquering nation?"

Smiling sweetly, she shook her head. "No, you cannot. While I appreciate what you did in saving me from being bound to that man and defeating my brother, I don't think it warrants me preventing my people's own growth. And truly, what is so wrong with it? Earth's people and many others throughout the realms do the same."

Looking to Death, he saw that she was now back to looking neutral.

'What do you think?'

'I told you I don't normally interfere in the multiverse, my champion. That said, there are worse beings by your standards that could be in charge.'

Sighing once more, he looked to Strange before nodding his head.

"Umar then is our choice for leading the Dark Dimension."

A victorious smile graced Umar's features. "Splendid. I take it then that the Dark Dimension will also be in an alliance with Earth?"

"Um." Peter looked to Strange.

'That sounds like something that would impact Earth in a huge, huge way, especially since this is the past.'

"We'll accept, though we ask that you do not interact with Earth until both Spider-Man and I exist." Strange spoke up.

Umar looked nonplussed. "Oh? So you two do not exist yet? Unfortunate."

"Um, why exactly?" Peter asked.

She grinned seductively. "I was going to ask for our alliance to be one of marriage."

Peter blushed. "Oh, I'm flattered, but I'm kind of…." He looked at Death and saw she raised an eyebrow. "...in a relationship already."

Death frowned at his answer but said nothing.

Umar frowned as well but shrugged. "Unfortunate, as I said. I guess I'll need to settle for some attractive male elsewhere."

Clea clenched her hands against her belt and ducked her head as Umar's words washed over them.

Wincing, Peter looked away uncomfortably.

'Clea seems to be getting the short end of the stick. As far as I know, she did nothing wrong, yet she's being cursed to never take off the belt, or else she'd die. Not to mention….'

"My Queen, what will happen to my father?" Clea asked obediently, eyes downcast.

"He will be banished, child."

"Not until I undo their error, Umar." Death interjected.

"My apologies. He will be banished in the future when Death deems it so."

"I see." Clea said, falling into an even deeper state of despair.

'She's going to be alone.'

Peter looked at his companion with a hard stare and received an eyebrow raise in return.

'Don't ask it.'

He stared at Death, who wore a faint smirk.

'It's going to ruin what you just got.'

…there is one way to save both their lives.

Madame Web's words rang through his head as he moved near Clea and got her attention before whispering. "What happened to Umar again in the future?"

Puzzled, she whispered, "The way my father speaks about it, Umar died shortly after I was birthed."

"Got it, thank you."

'You're going to do it.'

"Umar." Peter called out.

"Yes, Spider-Man?"

"Please don't get angry." At seeing her face turn to stone, he hastily continued. "Is there a spell of some sort or any way for you to still allow Clea to be born?"

Said woman perked up and stared at him wide-eyed.

Umar drew a sharp breath and said, almost breathless. "You expect me to sire his child?"

He winced, "I know how it sounds, and that's why I'm asking if there is any spell or other manner for her to be born."

"I do not know of a spell that can do what you are asking, and the only other manner would be to initiate intimacy. I think you can see why I am averse to doing the latter." The new queen said coldly.

"Trust me, I understand completely. I had to ask because I can't live with myself if I don't try. I am not trying to order you to do something you would not want to do; in fact I'm not ordering you at all. I'm just trying to see if there is any way to save an innocent life who was dealt a bad hand."

Seeing Umar nod, he looked to the future Sorcerer Supreme who was already shaking his head.

"I'm sorry, Spider-Man, but I do not know of a spell that could artificially inseminate Clea into being."

Desperate, Peter turned to the cosmic being present.

'She said there was a way.'

Death smiled enigmatically.

'There is my champion. The question is, are you willing to pay the price? Umar will not do what would be needed for free after all.'

'...Will it cost me much?'

'No. At least in my opinion. Though your current morals might stop you.'

'...I'm not killing anyone, am I?'

'No. You will not be hurting anyone unless you decide to, let alone kill.' She mentally giggled.

'...Is there a reason you aren't outright stating it?'

'There is. And that is because telling you will needlessly extend your time thinking about what I know you will do.'

Annoyed slightly at the cryptic speak, Spider-Man thought over what Death said before deciding.

'If you think I would agree to it even after deliberation…I'll trust you. Yes, I am willing to pay the price.'

'Then I shall share the necessary knowledge.'

"Umar." Death called out, rising from the chair. "I would speak with you in private. Come."

Disgruntled at being essentially ordered, but followed Death as she erected a transparent barrier. Once she passed the barrier, Death began speaking. No words escaped the barrier.

---

Natasha - Sanctum Sanctorum

Seeing the same blur as before appear on Death and now Umar's lips caused Natasha to let out a snarl. Causing both Yao and Wong to look over in concern.

'Blast. Again!'

Natasha's eye twitched at seeing Death wink serendipitously at her. After all, who else could the cosmic being be winking at?

---

Peter - Dark Dimension Umar's Throne room

'Man, I wish I knew how to read lips.'

"Do you know what they are saying?" Peter asked Stephen.

The sorcerer shook his head. "I do not. I, unfortunately skipped Lip-Reading 101 and 201 during medical school."

Peter stared in awe. "That's an actual class they teach for doctors?!"

Stephen deadpanned at Peter.

It took Peter a second before he let out a belly-full of laughter. "Hahahahaha. Oh my God. You got me good. Man, I was scared you wouldn't start throwing out jokes until you were Sorcerer Supreme."

The older man became confused. "Excuse me?"

Peter, still shaking with laughter, shook his hand in the negative. "Never mind just. Oh God, that was good."

"Um, excuse me, Spider-Man." Clea asked tentatively.

Turning to face her and trying to keep the two powerful beings in his peripheral, he answered. "Yes, Clea?"

Tears dripped from her face as she seemed to choke on her words.

"I-I-I…"

'Oh God, why?!'

"Hey, look, take your time. It's okay." Peter hastily said, waving his arms up and down in a calming motion.

Sniffling, the woman nodded her head. Allowing Peter to see Umar change into a fiery being who raised her hands threateningly. Death only rolled her eyes and said something that caused Umar to pause and lower her hands and now instead look curious.

'Yup can see the family resemblance now.'

"I think I'm better now." Clea said, with one final sniff. "I wanted to first say I am grateful you asked on my behalf to find ways for me to exist outside the object I was gifted." She sighed and closed her eyes. "But I must also ask why? You barely know me, and other than convincing me to allow you and Strange to pass through the portal, I did nothing for you. So why would you help me? I was your enemy."

Peter smiled, though she couldn't see it, except for maybe the eye crinkle. "I'm telling you I never thought of you as my enemy. As for your question. Well, that's easy. I couldn't live with myself if I didn't try like I told Umar." Seeing her confused look, he explained. "I had the power to help, or in this case petition for someone to help you. In the words of my family, which might as well be our motto at this point. With great power there must also come great responsibility. Too often do those with power not help the ones without. And that's fine to an extent, it's their choice. But I've seen what not helping when you can, could lead to. I'm rambling but to summarize I did so because I wanted to. Simple as that."

Pink cheeked, and eyes watering Clea nodded her head in thanks.

"Alright. I accept, but I want to hear him say it as well." Umar's voice rang out, barrier removed.

"Spider-Man, do I have your word that you will do what is needed to offset performing the magic Death shared with me?" Umar asked, still in her fiery form.

'She kinda looks like a Flame Atronach from Skyrim just without the armor…'

He nodded. "As long as it doesn't involve me killing someone or hurting someone who doesn't deserve it. Yes I am willing to do what is needed."

Nodding, she frowned and turned to Death. "He better not back out." Then she looked to Clea. "You better be worth it as well child."

Piece said, the fiery bodied woman closed her…eyes? Peter was unsure what to call them, her eye holes were closed as she seemed to gather pieces of flame from all over her body and coalesced in front of her. Once it became about as big as a beachball Umar opened her eyes, panting, and looked to Death. "Your turn."

Nodding the cosmic being leaned down and grabbed Orini's face before pulling. Alarmed Peter watched as an elderly man with a comically large beard was pulled out of the unconscious young man, just as wounded. Death then placed him in a suspending field or spell and let him hang.

Umar made a noise of disgust at seeing the elder man but raised her hand toward his younger self and chanted under her breath. Flames danced through the air before surrounding Orini's young body before pulling away into the mass of flame still in front of her.

Leaning over quietly as Umar continued chanting Peter asked Strange in a whisper. "Do you know what's happening?"

Strange shook his head before whispering back. "Umar appears to have stopped midway through what the Faltine normally do in reproducing asexually, but that's all I can understand."

"Faltine?"

"Her and Dormammu's species."

"Ah."

Watching as Umar continued, the ball of flame was condensed until it became as tiny as a basketball. Panting Umar nodded to herself. "It is done."

Wide-eyed Clea let out tears of joy. "Truly my Queen?"

Sneering disdainfully before huffing Umar replied. "Yes child. I have sacrificed a portion of myself, my very being and…combined it with the essence of Orini that matched yourself. Congratulations you get to live without that gaudy belt hanging around your hips."

Subdued at the news Clea only nodded her head before once again staring teary eyed at Peter. "Thank you."

Nervous he rubbed the back of his head. "Happy to help."

Stern faced, Stephen stepped forward. "And what pray tell will Spider-Man have to do now?"

Frowning at the magician's tone Umar looked to Spider-Man before smirking. "I'll show you." Turning back to Death over her shoulder she said. "He better live up to your adulations."

Turning back into her human form she made her way to Peter. "Take off your helmet." She commanded.

Nervous in so much because he'd be leaving his head exposed he only hesitated for a second before removing his broken helmet.

"Hm, attractive in a scholarly way, yet hints of traditional warrior features shine through. Your eyes are an attractive crimson as well, the glow goes well with the black." Umar said off-handedly, seeming to memorize his face.

"Wait crimson?! And what do you mean black?!" Peter asked alarmed.

Confused, Umar nodded. "Yes, the center colored portion of your eyes are crimson and your…" she drifted off.

Stephen coughed. "Sclera."

"Yes and your sclera is of the deepest black. Like an ocean of obsidian." She whispered breathily, staring into his eyes.

Peter blinked noticing the bright jade color of her own before shaking his head and looked to Strange, not noticing the pout now on Umar's face. "And you didn't think to mention to me that my eyes weren't normal?"

The future Sorcerer Supreme shrugged. "I don't know how your eyes looked before, and you didn't exhibit the signs of kidney or liver failure so I assumed it was one of the physical changes you listed."

"That was in regards to my physical performance!" Peter exclaimed exasperated.

"For all I knew your vision was improved further and this was the by-product." Stephen quipped.

"Actually my vision seems to be better than nor–" he shook his head. "Look fine just…" He looked at Death, who now had a withered Dormammu floating next to her. "Death, do you know how to undo whatever it is that happened to my eyes?"

The cosmic being smiled. "Of course, my champion. You need to drop your active connection to the Web of Life. Specifically, the chaotic aspect."

"Uh, cool…how do I do that?"

Rolling her eyes playfully, she said. "Feel within yourself where the well of power is coming from and close it in whatever analogy fits for you; it should respond easily enough."

Closing his eyes again, not noticing the growing pout on Umar's face, he searched within himself.

'Okay, well of power, well of power. Where are yo– There's…something.'

It felt like electricity or at least what looking at electricity would evoke within him. Namely adrenaline and the phantom feeling of power.

'So would thinking of it like a…Dyson sphere work?'

Being more inclined to science and based on the wealth of power he felt, he decided that a Dyson sphere should theoretically work for determining how to shut down whatever was running through him. Now imagining an off-switch he felt heavier as it was 'flipped'. Opening his eyes he noticed the pout on Umar's face before it switched to curiosity again.

"Hm, hazel. Not a bad color." She made no other comment before stepping even closer to him. "Now I believe I said I would show your companion what I want extracted from you."

Before Peter could respond, she passionately pressed her lips against his and used his surprised state to feel his body. She hovered over his arms and hips before reaching his ass and gave a squeeze humming appreciatively.

Adrenaline coursing through his veins Peter's mind raced, time slowing down.

'Okay hold up. What's happening?'

'The cementing of Umar and your's relationship my champion.' Death said with ease. 'She sacrificed a significant portion of her being and power to create Clea. To offset this she wanted something to, if not bring her back to the heights of her former power, give her more than she has ever had. As you are my champion and so closely connected to me. My power is your power, and now…it is hers. Or at least a decent amount by her standards.'

'I see…'

He sighed, he did say he'd do anything.

'But this…'

Death was right he'd get uppity and would have extended the time he would have put into deciding if he knew just exactly what the price would be.

'I'll beat myself up over this later.'

Feelings settled, at least for now, time seemed to pick back up as he leaned into the kiss and wrapped his arms around her, deciding not to take liberties like Umar did, just in case. He has some hype to live up to.

Leaning into the kiss, Peter noticed that Umar's passion did not equate to experience as he felt like he was back kissing most of his girlfriends in the beginning of their relationships. Unsure, sporadic movements, but excited and eager to continue.

Probing her lips with his tongue until she got the non-verbal message. Umar hesitantly opened her mouth before letting out a gasp as he completely dominated their new exchange. She tried leading their dancing tongues herself, but quickly gave up and let Peter carry her onward. Her groping becoming more animated as he massaged her tongue with his own before nibbling on her bottom lip.

Suddenly Peter stopped and stepped back watching as Umar's face stared bewildered in the open air. Her lips now bright pink. She then moved to stare wide-eyed at him before turning to look at Death and coughing. "I believe you were correct. Let us hope his skill transfers over to more…private matters." The Faltine woman moved to sit in the throne, not sparing a glance at her brother or Orini and instead wiped some leftover saliva and touched her lips in thought. The flaming ball hovered around her.

The young hero turned to gauge Stephen's reaction, as he wasn't privy to the telepathic conversation he was surely blindsided.

His guess was not wrong as the doctor looked shell-shocked before noticing his stare and looking uncomfortable.

"I'm going to just… wait by the portal…"

The magician then turned to walk away, nearing Clea who had a pained look on her face.

"Well, I think I want some of what you humans call 'sugar' as well, my champion" Death said, appearing next to him.

"Wait wh–"

He was cut off as the cosmic being pulled him down to meet her halfway and immediately open his mouth with her tongue. Instinctively he started participating before his conscious mind caught up with him.

"You gotta be kidding me?! Two?! Not to mention powerful!?" Stephen's voice rang out.

Ignoring the man as blood quite literally started rushing through his ears, Peter only felt as Death caressed his cheek and arm before stepping back to smirk at him. "Thank you, my champion."

"Uh, sure… Anytime…" He said absentmindedly. Not hearing the giggle the woman let out.

"I'll take you up on that offer." She tapped his helmet before turning to Umar, staring at them with lidded eyes. "We'll see you in 28 great cycles." Then as quickly as she arrived, the woman disappeared, the older Dormammu and Orini with her.

Looking at his helmet he saw that it was repaired. And then looked at his armor and noticed it was repaired as well.

'Huh.'

Turning to Clea who now had a look of hope on her face before it turned into one of determination, Peter made to speak. "Uh are you ready to g–"

Once again he was cut off in surprise, though this time his lips were spared as Clea seemed to grow flustered and aimed at his cheek instead with her lips. "Thank you again." She whispered before moving to follow Strange and at noticing her blushing face he correctly assumed what happened.

"Three?! Am I dreaming? No man is this charming."

Out of it, Peter turned to look at Umar who was staring at the retreating Clea with a frown before shrugging to look back at him. She seemed centered now.

"What will happen to Dormammu and Orini?" Spider-Man asked, staring at the two males.

Umar sneered at them both. "I'm going to banish them until the universe summons them to fulfill their purpose of opening a time portal to this point in time. As much as it pains me, I must allow the universe to direct them to perform the same actions they performed here. As while I'm not beholden to the same curse, trying to interfere with it would…bode ill for me."

"...I see. Well, I'll see you in…however long 28 great cycles is."

Staring again at him, Umar nodded. "I'll see you in the future. After all, you are to be my husband now."

"Wait, am I not already?" Peter asked, he thought that was why they made out at the time.

"Oh? No, that was for my pleasure and yours. If we tied our souls together now it would be…uncomfortable. My own would be searching for yours for 28 great cycles if we did so now. I'd rather not feel that way." Umar said with a frown.

"I see. Well uh, I'll see you in the future."

"Take care, Spider-Man."

Umar snapped her fingers and he was back with Strange, who looked remarkably more calm, and Clea who blushed faintly at seeing him again, but said nothing. And he decided not to say anything as well.

"Uh, all good?" The hero asked.

Sighing Stephen nodded. "Yes, we should be good. Apologies for my overreaction. Just, back in my day men and women were a bit more…reserved. Not to mention monogamous."

Peter put on his helmet. "Ah, yes. Well circumstances for my life have kind of put me in this type of situation."

Strange raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Yeah actually –"

"Um excuse me. But shouldn't we walk through the portal now?"

Sheepish, Spider-Man nodded, apologizing. "Yeah, sorry, Clea. We can finish this conversation later, Strange."

"I'm looking forward to it."

With that the three walked through the portal.

---

Natasha - Sanctum Sanctorum - A Few minutes earlier

"I'll see you in 28 great cycles." Death said, before disappearing from the mist screen to inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.

"Hello there." Death greeted, her voice slightly deepeer.

"Hello, Mistress Death." Yao greeted easily.

The woman slumped slightly. "Guess no one here has seen that piece of media even if it did come out a few years ago." She straightened. "But yes, hello Yao. And hello Wong and Natasha."

Disgruntled, Natasha asked, "Why are you here?"

Death laughed. "Why to see my champion arrive in victory from the past of course. Speaking of, Yao, did you extend the portal to cover for you three as well for when the portal closes?"

The man nodded. "Yes, Mistress Death."

Natasha glanced at the man. She never saw him cast a spell other than the mist one, she guessed he must have done so before the mist spell or even earlier.

'Probably when Peter and I entered the building. '

"Splendid. It would be awful for everyone here if only Spider-Man and Strange were to remember this timeline."

Natasha agreed, she'd rather not lose out on memories, even if her past would be similar.

"Ah, I believe they are here." Death announced. "Yao, if you would."

The Sorcerer Supreme nodded. Closing his eyes a moment passed and then Natasha felt a headache encompass her head. She was… she was still here for the same reason. Peter brought her along, but it was when they reached inside the building that her head was processing.

'We were told that we'd… ugh my head… we were told that Peter was called by Eternity, the embodiment of time, for a task and that… all would be explained once Peter crossed the portal with Doctor Strange? How does that…'

The spy shook her head. It didn't matter how it worked. She was told to expect a headache due to Earth not being changed as much. Clea on the otherhand.

'I do not envy what she will go through.'

---

Peter - Dark Dimension

The trio walked out of the portal no worse for wear, noting the defeated Dormammu and Orini left next to it.

Turning to Strange, Peter asked. "Is that i–" He cut himself off as he held his head in pain. Behind him, the portal had winked out of existence.

'Oh God, that's disorienting.'

The two defeated Dark Dimension denizens also groaned in pain, though they were unconscious.

"Shut up, you two. Losers don't get to complain. Stephen, are you all good? Same memories?" Peter asked with a groan.

"Yes, you?"

"Yeah. Just my reason for going here was that Eternity tasked us to do something, and then it was like watching someone else be put in the driver's seat for my body, which I now realize was myself but like… Jesus, my head."

"Yeah. Same here. Suffice to say I hope you realize why time travel is rarely used. At least this form of it."

"Oh God, yes one-hundred percent. Why the hell did Dormammu decide this was the way to try and conquer Earth?"

"I think… because any other way would require either help or gathering materials scattered around Earth. Which I would have prevented… Spider-Man, I apologize. I said we'd get a small headache, and this is anything but small."

Peter only groaned in response.

"Um, I'm not feeling any different." Clea interrupted. She sounded unsure of herself.

"That's because you have yet to take off the belt child." Umar's voice rang out a tinge of… something in her tone as she appeared next to the group.

"Oh. Yes. Apologies, my queen. I am still out of sorts." Clea quickly said with a bow.

Now feeling better, Peter frowned at the action, but knowing she was raised to act that way to her leader he ignored it for now and took stock of their surroundings. They were on the outskirts of a city, that… actually looked like it was thriving. It still looked medieval but then again, so did Asgard and that's been around for who knows how long. He then saw the Faltine woman who looked to have not aged a day, though she had a gleam in her eye.

"So uh, nice to see you again, Umar."

Umar grinned. "Yes, you as well, Spider-Man."

'I hope she doesn't plan for us to cement our marriage right now…'

Looking to put that off for as long as possible, he turned to the recovering magician. "Hey Stephen, you know if Yao is going to open another portal or...?"

"I shall handle that. I have a meeting scheduled with your Sorcerer Supreme to cement Earth's alliance with the Dark Dimension." Umar interjected, raising her hand and opening a portal to the Sanctum Sanctorum. "Please after you."

"Wait, what about your brother and his follower?"

Umar threw a glare at them, the heat perhaps now even greater. "Why I plan to banish them, this time to a place where it will take him some time to grow in power if he doesn't perish."

Satisfied, Spider-Man stepped through the portal and noticed that Death was now with the three other occupants.

"Hello there." Death greeted, voice slightly off.

'What in the? Oh!'

"General Kenobi." Peter responded. At Death's now beaming grin he felt giddy, not being able to joke with anyone like that except maybe his uncle, dad, and Johnny. Then he laughed a little at seeing Natasha's face turn into one of confusion, while Wong and Yao let the moment pass without any reaction.

'I did not expect that. But I'm pleasantly surprised.'

'I thought you would enjoy me embracing your culture more my champion.'

He nodded to her in thanks.

"Ah, Mistress Death." Dr. Strange greeted, stepping through. "A pleasure to see you outside of a test."

"Thank you. It is nice to find a reason to participate in the universe."

As Clea and Umar walked through, Death gave Umar a smile. "My soon to be sister, I take it you are well?"

Confused Umar didn't respond before eventuall nodding her head. "Yes, 28 great cycles surprisingly passed pretty quickly. Though I think conquering other realms every so often made it go by quicker."

Yao chose that moment to speak up. "Speaking of, Queen Umar, I realize now thanks to the granted memories why you would offer Earth this. How exactly did you want to cement the alliance?"

Umar turned to look at Peter a gleam in her eye. "Well…after 28 great cycles of waiting, I can certainly think of one way…"

'Oh no. Not yet.'

"... But I think I should set an example for my people. I'll take a chaste kiss to cement our alliance. With you all bearing witness. Spider-Man?"

Seeing everyone's eyes on him, Peter coughed before stepping up to Umar, once again taking off his helmet. 'It feels like I just barely put it on.'

Staring into her jade eyes he decided to just go for it and pressed his lips against hers, hearing and feeling her pleasant hum in acceptance.

'Why do I feel like this is just another kiss?'

'You need to push a part of your spirit into hers my champion.'

'Ah… I guess I'll just try.'

Deepening the kiss he thought of tying himself to Umar, which made him feel uneasy, but this was for Clea and Earth. Responding to his want, he felt as though a part of himself wrapped around Umar and her him and settled peacefully.

Spider-Man leaned away from the kiss. Noting the gleeful look in Umar's eye.

"Yes. That will do nicely. Certainly worth the wait." Umar said, her body shaking with power.

Peter coughed. "So uh… that's all you need from me right?"

Frowning Umar made to say something before looking to Death in anger and then calmed herself. Turning back to Peter, she nodded. "Yes, that is all for now. It seems I am advised to wait before seeking more."

'Hahhh.'

"Splendid." Death said sweetly. "If that is all, I think my champion and his companion may leave your abode Stephen Strange."

"Yes, thank you Spider-Man for helping me, we'll have to continue our conversation another time, I'm sure you want to relax if possible."

Ignoring the pouting face of Umar, Peter nodded toward Stephen. "Happy to help! Didn't think I'd be able to but glad I did. And yes I'll swing by another time, think you'll want to hear it. Black Widow?"

"Thank you for the hospitality." The redhead stated evenly before bowing like before when they entered, to which Peter copied hastily.

"Great, then uh, actually Wong do you need to walk us out?"

Wong looked to Strange who nodded at him. "Yes, best to do so incase the house decides to mess with you. It does like to pull pranks on guests occasionally."

Spider-Man grinned before putting on his helmet. "Cool. We'll follow you shortly."

Turning to Yao Peter bowed again, "Thanks for making sure the time portal didn't close on us."

"Of course Spider-Man. Thank you for foiling Dormammu's plan."

Peter then turned to Umar and Clea who still stood next to each other.

'Oh crap of course how could I forget.'

"Hey uh actually before we go, do you want to take off the belt Clea?" He asked, wanting to see that his actions helped.

Clea's face turned to one of worry herself before nodding "Yes." The white-haired woman's breath hitched as she reached down to unclasp the brown belt, her fingers hovered over the clasp before she closed her eyes and held the now untied belt in her hands. Nothing happened.

"I'm not feeling any d–" Clea's voice cut off as she crumpled to the floor.

Peter gasped before dashing forward, catching her before she hit the floor and looked concerned at Umar and Death.

"What happened?"

"She and more likely Dormammu along with Orini are busy processing the different lives they will have lead up to this point my champion." Death said, her voice soothing. "And Clea has lived by this point, up to at least twenty-eight thousand years. But she is still mortal, her mind has probably shut off her consciousness to save herself from the pain."

Umar nodded. "Do not worry consort. The Clea you came to know will still exist, just as the Clea I have helped raise will exist as well. Now, I believe it is time for you to go. I will take her to her home." As she finished she surprisingly, showed great care in grabbing Clea from his arms before opening a portal back to the Dark Dimension.

"Farewell Sorcerer Supreme and Stephen Strange, I look forward to seeing the fruits of Earth's alliance with the Dark Dimension." Umar said, before walking through the portal, where it blinked out of existence as she passed through.

"I will leave as well. Thank you for believing my words and asking for my champion's help Yao. I hope you can rely upon my champion again in the future." Death said, before nodding towards Dr. Strange and his manservant. With that, she too disappeared.

Peter and Natasha were escorted out swiftly after. Peter was debating going on patrol for a while, but after seeing that Natasha looked tense, decided to put it off.

Landing on a roof he waited for her to land.

Letting out a grunt as she came to a stop she raised her eyebrow. "What is it now?"

He shook his head. "Nothing too important I just wanted to ask. Actually, wait. You just reminded me." He sighed and stared at her. "Could you not tell SHIELD about my Spider-Sense."

Natasha tensed. "And why should I?"

He sighed and took off his helmet for this conversation. Better for her to see his emotions.

"Because SHIELD isn't perfect, and if that ability gets out, eventually someone will figure a way out to build machines that can activate it, or decide the only way to deal with me in any capacity is to perform wide area attacks, potentially damaging not only my surroundings but allies as well."

She stared at him for what felt like minutes before nodding. "Okay, I won't tell SHIELD about your Spider-Sense."

"Thank you." He said with a smile. "Now about what I originally wanted to ask you…" He coughed. "What happened to Val? As far as I know it was supposed to be her day to watch me today."

Blinking, Natasha didn't respond before saying "Oh? Tired of me following you already? The day has barely started."

Spider-Man sighed exasperatedly. "You know very well what I mean."

Natasha stared at him before shrugging. "She said she needed a day off. Something about a spa and shopping."

"Really?" Peter said with a laugh. "Guess she's still used to that life."

'Wonder if her conversation with Nick combined with dealing with him on the trip to Captain America set her off?'

He looked over at Natasha who still looked to be tense, though he could see she was trying not to show it.

'This was supposed to be her day off…'

"Hey Nat…" She twitched at the nickname but paid attention to him. "...What do you do for fun?"

'If I remember correctly she liked watching movies and shows. Which was surprising to find out, but a pleasant one.'

"What brought this on?" She asked guardedly.

"Nothing but curiosity I swear."

The spy grunted. "Well wouldn't you know?"

Peter frowned.

'Why's she getting uppity. Is it embarrassing? No, Natasha rarely gets embarrassed, and when she does it's because she knows it goes against what she wants people to think of her, which is rare. She gets aggressive when she has been thinking about something for a long time and has made no headway… oh'

"Do you have a change of clothes? Civilian."

"Excuse me?"

"Just answer the question."

Grumbling she replied in the negative.

He nodded. "Follow me then."

---

Heading back to Parker Industries, Spider-Man motioned for Black Widow to follow him to the roof and asked her to wait. Grabbing his backpack, and a change of clothes for her with some of the company dress clothes he ignored her questioning look and headed toward the nearest theater before ducking into an empty alley.

"Here you go." Peter said, offering her the dress clothes.

She stared at the offered clothing. "This will not go well with my boots."

The young man wilted. "Really, I didn't think you'd care for stuff like that."

Rolling her eyes she took the offered clothes.

"You going to watch?" Natasha teased, expecting to throw him off.

Blushing under the mask and hoping she couldn't tell, he said nothing and turned around.

Waiting until he felt a poke on his shoulder he nodded and quickly changed into his own street clothes uncaring if she saw since Natasha wasn't going to make it weird and stored their clothes in his backpack.

'Well don't we make quite the pair. I look like I just exited a college course and am hanging out with my more successful girlfriend.'

He snorted, like that would happen. Natasha stared at him causing him to shake his head.

She huffed. "So where are we headed that we needed to change into civilian clothes?"

He stopped them in front of the theater. "We're here."

She looked at him confused. "The theater?"

"Yes."

Natasha became frustrated. "You don't need me for this. What's your play here?"

He deadpanned at her. "I'm scared that someone will stab me or shoot me in the theater. I need a big strong spy to protect me."

The redhead stared at him incredulously before shaking her head. "You could do with some practice on your sarcasm."

"Trust me. I practice all the time." He said in the same monotone voice.

She smirked but turned her head away quickly. "What did youwant to watch then?"

Peter thought it over.

'What did Natasha like to watch again?'

The spy's tastes were everywhere if he was being honest, but she was probably one of few members he could joke about pop culture with. Her confusion at one of the most iconic scenes from Star Wars needed to be corrected.

"How about an action flick? Sci-Fi," he offered.

Natasha shrugged. "It's your choice."

Deciding to start at the chronological beginning. Peter paid for the tickets and food, while subsequently ignoring the ticket cashier and food court clerks stares at Natasha, whose clothes were hugging her voluptuou–

'Stop it.'

They found their seats easy enough and after handing her her portion of their food waited for the ads to finish playing before a countdown.

"Let me know if you enjoy it please."

She rolled her eyes but nodded.

They spent the rest of the day at the theater. Natasha, in probably the most flustered he's seen her, asked if they could watch another. By the time they finished the second one though it was getting late and they had to leave.

Not changing clothes he spent the entire walk back home speaking with Natasha. Diverting her talks about super heroics or spying for the time being. And, other than some slight irritation she did eventually relax.

Of course when they neared his home they had to part ways. Hoping she found a possible hobby. Peter waved to his parents and sister, explaining that he went out to the movies all day. And received eye rolls in return for what he watched.

'Today was a good day.'

---

Natasha - Val and Natasha's Apartment

Natasha felt relaxed and happy, which was surprising after having to watch Peter fight while on the sidelines, but who knew a trip to the movies with company could offset that?

She was annoyed at first, that Peter tried to force her to have fun while on the job, but at the end of the day she couldn't say she hated it. While he very clearly went to the movies for her, 'Was I an avid watcher?' he himself was having fun so she didn't feel any guilt. In fact, because of the time spent she was able to have a conversation outside of work in who knows how long. What with her and Val's conversations inevitably delving into SHIELD related topics.

'It was like speaking with Ivan… wait… no. It was only similar to that. This was different it was almost like… speaking to… a partner…'

She felt warmth gather in her core at the thought.

Then the memory of Peter kissing not only Umar, but Death as well flitted through her mind. She felt jealousy spike through her.

'Why am I thinking this…'

Natasha was confused, she's no stranger to seeing humans copulate throughout many stages, normally when she was about to kill them. And the furthest she's had to implement her training was to seduce a target away from a crowd, a whisper in the ear, a heavy kiss and heated breath, before killing them. Yet she never felt the need to do anything before with anyone else. Not like she suddenly felt with Peter.

'Except Barnes, but you saw how he was whittled away to be nothing but a brute. They pushed him to the brink… if you did anything…he'd have probably…'

She shook her head. She was getting off course. She just needed to take care of herself. During and after her seduction training she understood the biological need to masturbate, and how it could affect a person's thought processes. But still…

'Is it love?' She asked herself incredulously before shaking her head. 'No it's not that. But there is definitely attraction. Is that due to todays events? Am I that emotionally compromised that anyone could just take me on what could be a date and I'd get attached?'

Natasha pondered the question before shaking her head in the negative. While she was grateful for the fun at relieving stress due to the movies, she felt more attracted to the thought of having another conversation with Peter about something mundane and what others would consider normal. 'Almost like I was living a normal life… One where I could have chi…' The spy shook her head. Regardless, it was something she was sure she couldn't have with just anyone. And that was after accounting for the time spent watching and interacting with him. This attraction must have been a build up. With today's events simply being the boiling point.

'What in God's name are my thoughts drifting to?'

She shook her head, noting that Val's door was already closed for the day and headed to her room. She needed to relieve herself before she became like a schoolgirl tittering everywhere, spouting poetics. She was a spy for God's sake.

The next day, Natasha was noticeably even more relaxed, and ignored that she felt no different about her thoughts toward Peter now except with a noticeable drop in lust.

When she came back ready to start a new day of following Peter, Val asked what happened yesterday. Relaying what happened she snorted at the beautiful woman's wide-eyed look at hearing how Peter faced a magician. Val though, was apparently more shocked at hearing that Peter took her to the movies.

"YOU DID WHAT?!"

Natasha raised an eyebrow and assumed Val was affronted that she pretty much said that she went on a date with a minor. It wasn't that big a deal though because it wasn't, truly. Something she came to realize before she went to bed is that Peter never called what they did a date, and that helped her decide to simply let her feelings come as they progressed. If Peter wasn't in a hurry to categorize their interactions she wasn't as well. That was a headache and a half. She'd take her fantasies like last nights for now.

---

AAAAAAAND We're done. So, once again, I want to apologize for the wait for this chapter, if my story is even worth a hundreth of some stories I read I know how bad it is to wait for the author to update. Honestly, if you've kept up with my profile I said I was playing video games, mainly with some friends and the game (Ark: Survival Evovled) is not one that I could take really slow. We're done with it now, though so hopefully the next chapter doesn't quite take as long, and if it does hopefully I weave it to be written well enough and long enough for the wait.

I won't go into another rant on the current state of Marvel Comics, let alone what they are doing to our boi Spidey but I am still upset xD

Anyways, I hope everything lived up to you readers' expectations and that the romance is progressing well for each woman differently. Natasha for instance, has a mature attraction that I hope has been categorized as believable. I also hope the makeout scene(s?) were semi-exciting enough as well! Like I've said before, and as tagged on AO3, there will be more detail...eventually xD

Other than that concerning the fight/combat, I for one hope I wrote the scene well and believably for Peter going up against a magician and then it escalating due to said magician taking on aspects of a god. I also hope that I've built up excitement for Peter learning more about the Chaotic branch of the Web of Destiny and hinted at it's opposite branch (which he will be attaining as well!) I also hope that I haven't killed anyone's interest due to massive power creep, Peter isn't unstoppable (yet...or at least seemingly, he's not becoming the OAA), but street levels foes are...yeah, they are not going to have a good time xD. Not that Spider-Man vs Any street-level foe, even in canon, would/should be anything but a stomp. So it shouldn't be that much of a difference to read.

All said, looking forward to writing more for you all! Hope you all enjoyed it, like I said, and see you all next time.